It is believed that failure to grant permission would have an enduring negative effect on the area.

Ronnie says his phone has been out of action since the telephone pole was damaged by a car around six weeks ago.

There has been a spate of thefts across the region in recent weeks and they have left people disconnected for days.

People are being left in vulnerable situations for days due to the tampering.

Councillor Feeley re-iterated that an Eir customer care employee stated the delay could be the result of an inadequate amount of available wire.

Councillor Feeley says he was informed the line couldn't be fixed because there was no wire.

This has left homes without telephone and broadband connections, as well as losing emergency alert systems.

An Bord Pleanala didn't accept the inspectors' report and granted permission for the mast.