Rural areas in the Shannonside region are suffering due to the provision of 'unnecessary' telecommunications masts according to one Westmeath councillor.
Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has called for a variation of the Westmeath County Development Plan in relation to masts in rural areas.
The former OPW Minister argues local land owners are suffering when planning permission is granted for masts in what he says are unsuitable areas.
At a recent meeting of the Athlone- Moate Municipal District, it was agreed to look at the wording of the relevant county development plan section, with the council also set to write to the Department of Local Government and Planning.
Councillor Moran states that while people are not opposed to telecommunications infrastructure, it must be located on the right site:
