A mobile mast base station is proposed to be sited at the existing BT telephone exchange in Ardglass on the Downpatrick Road.
Councillor Naomi Bailie has asked local stakeholders to support this initiative and to contact her if they have any concerns.
Telefonica has entered into an agreement with Vodaphone to jointly manage a network grid across the UK and the two companies swill now pool their network infrastructure together while still running two independent, nationwide networks. They will also maximise opportunities to consolidate the number of base stations and significantly reduce the environmental impact of network development.
Currently Telefonica is looking at a number of sites in Ardglass and the preferred option is at the Ardglass Telephone Exchange. It will provide a site for a radio base station for 4G coverage and to enhance the existing 2.3 coverage. These base stations are necessary to support the mobile network.
In a letter to local councillors, a spokesperson for Telefonica said: “We commit to allow at least 14 days before an application is submitted to the Local Planning Authority. This fourteen day period runs from the date of the letter. We would be grateful if you could please advise of any local stakeholders or groups that might like to make comments (028 90 659555).”
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Councillor Naomi Bailie said: “There should basically be a consultation over the development of a telephone mast here in Ardglass. It needs to be put to the community. As far as I understand there is no consultation planned yet.
“The best way forward is to have a public meeting and allow people to air their views. I’ve no doubt there will be a few objectors, but we have to look at the bigger picture.
“The mobile coverage in Ardglass is poor to say the least and some area shave no signal at all. This needs to change. If we are to encourage people to invest in this fishing village we need to ensure that local businesses and their workers can at least get a phone signal.
“Ultimately the swill help to underpin the economic base of Ardglass and help improve business and jobs prospects. The fishing industry certainly needs access to a good mobile connection.
“We do need a first class mobile coverage for Ardglass and I hope everyone supports this proposal. I haven’t seen a planning application for the phone mast yet but it will have to go to get planning approval eventually. If anyone has any concerns they can give me a call.”
