Overview
Eir, Ireland’s leading communications provider, appointed Entrust Services to secure planning permission for the installation of telecommunications infrastructure on the rooftop of Blocks 5 & 6 within St. Clare’s Park, Harold’s Cross Road, Dublin 6. The development aimed to enhance network coverage in a growing and densely populated urban area, while respecting the site’s sensitive heritage setting, including nearby Protected Structures.
Objective
The primary goal was to address gaps in Eir’s network coverage through the strategic installation of rooftop telecoms equipment, delivering high-speed data and broadband services to local residences and businesses, without compromising the visual integrity of its heritage surroundings.
Challenges
- Proximity to Protected Structures: The site is located within the curtilage of historic buildings, demanding a balanced approach that considered both technological need and heritage preservation.
- Previous Planning Refusal on Site: A nearby rooftop proposal (Blocks 1 & 2), within just 50 metres, had been refused planning permission due to visual concerns, setting a significant precedent that needed to be overcome.
- Visual Sensitivity: Rooftop infrastructure can be visually prominent; special care was needed to ensure the equipment did not negatively impact the streetscape or local character.
Solutions
Entrust Services undertook an in-depth planning and design process, including:
- A heritage-sensitive design with slimline equipment and non-reflective finishes to reduce visual impact.
- A photomontage report based on real-time imagery, illustrating the proposal’s minimal visibility from key public viewpoints.
- A comprehensive planning statement that addressed past refusals and demonstrated how the current design differed and mitigated previous concerns.
- A detailed Technical Justification for the location, highlighting network demands and alternative site constraints.
- Full planning application management, liaising with Dublin City Council throughout and ensuring all documentation aligned with planning policies and conservation guidelines.
Results
Entrust Services successfully secured the final grant of planning permission in 2024, with five non-onerous conditions. The rooftop installation has since improved mobile and broadband service delivery in the area, meeting both community and technical needs. Due to the thoughtful approach and precedent-aware planning, the site’s protected structures remain visually unaffected. Entrust Services also secured a subsequent planning permission on the same rooftop for Three Ireland, enabling shared infrastructure use.
