Drumcondra mast is set to be removed

DUBLIN City Council has ordered Iarnród Éireann to remove a massive 30-metre mast in Drumcondra following a campaign by local residents.

The radio mast was erected overnight on an embankment at St Anne’s Road on March 14 last and residents who woke up the following morning said they were gobsmacked to see the metal structure towering over their homes.

The Iona District Residents’ Association lodged a complaint to Dublin City Council but were told the mast was classed as an exempt development on safety grounds.

Iarnród Éireann said residents had been alerted to the plans but admitted the information they provided may not have been clear as to what exactly the mast was, and how tall it would be.

A spokesman at the time said the radio mast was essential as it would provide safety critical communications between train drivers and controlling signalman and was needed to replace an exisiting, obsolete system.

The system was licensed by ComReg and the railway company believed that it complied with all relevant legislation and licensing requirements.

Undeterred, residents in the area began a well-organised campaign, putting pressure on local politicians and public officials to have the mast at the junction of St Anne’s Road North and St Joseph’s Avenue removed.

And their efforts have now paid off as Dublin City Council has issued Iarnród Éireann with an enforcement order demanding the mast’s removal.

Irish Rail will also have to pay the council for its investigation into the matter and has been warned that if the mast isn’t taken down by November 11, it may be guilty of a planning offence.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann confirmed it had received the order from the local authority and intended to comply.

“We are liaising with them on the specifics to meet their requirements while identifying an alternative solution which ensures we maintain the coverage of our safety critical train radio system,” he said.