Laois village to get high speed internet as new mast on GAA grounds approved

The 30-metre-high telecommunications structure will be located at Trumera GAA Club

Published 20th Jul 2026, 12:55 BST File photo. The 30-metre-high telecommunications structure will be located at Trumera GAA Club Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

Planning permission has been granted for a 30-metre-high telecommunications structure on the grounds of a Laois GAA club which will provide high speed internet for the area.

APW UK WIP Limited, trading as Icon Tower, applied for planning permission to install the 30-metre-high lattice telecommunications tower at Trumera GAA Club in Mountrath back in January.

The structure will provide high speed wireless data and broadband services for Vodafone Ireland to “deploy a modern and efficient communications network infrastructure” in the local area. The installation is required for 2G voice, 4G and 5G data service provision.

The application included the telecommunications support structure as well as antennas, dishes, remote radio units, lightning final and other associated equipment.

Also detailed are plans for ground-based equipment cabinets within a compound enclosed by 2.4-metre-high palisade fencing with a 1-metre-wide access gate and a 3-metre-wide access gate within the existing fence.

There are also plans for the construction of a new access track connecting the compound to the existing access track, concrete foundation and all associated site development works.

Laois County Council have now approved the plans on a conditional basis.

Vodafone Ireland stated in the planning documents that the development is “essential to enhancing telecommunications infrastructure within the area, providing improved coverage and connectivity for residents and businesses.”

READ NEXT: Rodent advice and objections to planned Laois service station

The internet providers argued that the development will improve the quality and resilience of service provision as the demand for high speed internet continues to grow.

The site will provide upgraded mobile voice and data coverage to the Trumera area and the M7 and it will also improve access for businesses and residents in the vicinity.

The planning documents said: “The main driver for the new site at Trumera is to give improved service to the M7 motorway, nearby railway line and to the residential premises in the wider area and help coverage to any local business nearby.”

The site of the development will be located to the rear of the carpark and buildings on the grounds of Trumera GAA Club. This location was chosen so as to minimise the visual impact of the structure through the screening of the GAA club buildings.

It will be nestled as far back as possible from the GAA pitch and pedestrian areas to avoid any other form of disruption. The planners also note that the position of the structure will not hinder any future developments on the grounds.

The development will allow for two more operators to use it “to mitigate against the proliferation of other telecommunications structures in this area in the years ahead.”

This is among Laois County Council’s conditions for planning permission.