NI Water has been called upon to remove an “unsightly” telecommunications mast from the Hill of the O’Neill in Dungannon.
MLA Colm Gildernew says the organisation, alongside Mid Ulster Council, need to “follow through on their promise” to remove the mast, which sits on the historical site which dates back to the 10th century.
The original seat of the O’Neill dynasty, the site is hugely popular with tourists and Irish history enthusiasts.
The mast, which is owned by NI Water, is an old British Army communications mast which has been in place for a number of decades.
However, there is a disagreement between NI Water and Mid Ulster Council as to who should foot the bill to get it removed.
Mr Gildernew said: “Significant efforts have been made by Mid Ulster Council and the local community to enhance this area and boost its economic potential, but these efforts are being overshadowed by the presence of this towering steel telecommunications mast.
“NI Water must honour their commitment to remove this eyesore and work with Mid Ulster Council and local businesses to ensure the economic and social progress of the area is not hindered.”
A spokesperson for Mid Ulster Council said the presence of the structure impacts their ability to “promote and develop the site as an important heritage and tourism asset”.
They said: “NI Water currently have ownership of a telecoms mast situated on their land adjacent to the site of The Hill of The O’Neill, Dungannon and this significant physical infrastructure impacts Councils’ ability to promote and develop the site as an important heritage and tourism asset for the region.
“Over the last decade, considerable engagement has been undertaken both by the former Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and more recently, Mid Ulster District Council with NI Water on this issue.
“The Council is continuing to engage with NI Water, who are responsible for the site where the mast is located, to explore ways in which the impact of the telecoms mast on the Hill of The O’Neill site could be reduced or ideally, the mast itself removed and relocated to an alternative site.”
NI Water however, have said that any feasibility study into the removal of the mast would need to be “fully funded” by Mid Ulster Council.
A spokesperson commented: “NI Water had offered to help with a feasibility study and the assessment of removal options of the mast, but this study and the outcomes would need to be fully funded by MUDC.
“As well as NI Water telemetry, the mast provides a vital facility for the emergency services who are dependent on its position to continue to service the local community, businesses and consumers.
“It is also used by mobile network operators and the population around Dungannon would be dependent on this facility for their mobile phone signals.”
