Planning permission has been granted for a new phone mast which will cover the wider Camlough and Bessbrook areas.
Approval for the 30-metre telecommunications column was given the green light by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, April 5.
It will be erected on lands at Carrickbracken Business Park, just off the Camlough Road in Camlough.
The development has been widely welcomed, despite 23 objections during the planning process.
Those objections included: serious health concerns and implications both long term and short term; concerns with proximity of residential developments, a local football club and high school; and how the mast would tower above other structures.
The structure, however, was backed due to the lack of mobile reception in the area “which is necessary for individuals and businesses”, ultimately “boosting the local economy and creating new jobs”.
Sinn Féin Councillor, Oonagh Magennis, welcomed the granting of planning permission.
The Slieve Gullion councillor said: “After seeing that this project met the required standards for health and safety, we’re glad to see this project move forward.
“The granting of planning permission for the mast is a real game changer for local families and businesses.
“Access to suitable phone signal is now as essential for rural communities as broadband and other modern services.
“Not only is it a key to helping local businesses thrive but it also ensures that the local community can quickly contact emergency services should they be needed.
“Sinn Féin is committed to working for all to deliver better services for our rural communities, to securing a modern, fit for purpose phone network, helping to attract investment into south Armagh to create new jobs and grow the local economy.”
