PLANS TO erect a broadband satellite dish on the facade of Muckross House have drawn protests from heritage groups who say it would be an unsightly installation on one of the State's most popular tourist venues.
An Taisce says the Department of the Environment is ignoring its own guidelines to local authorities on protected buildings.
Earlier this year, the department applied to Kerry County Council for the broadband satellite dish, one metre in diameter, to be erected on the gable of the coach house, which is now the main entrance to the famous facility. More than 1.5 million people visit the house and grounds each year.
An Taisce objected to the application, referring to a recent decision by An Bord Pleanála which turned down a mast in the grounds of Listowel Garda station, a protected structure.
The department said the proposed dish was to be in lieu of one on the roof, for which permission was granted a year ago. (It is understood technical difficulties meant that the dish could not be erected and/or would not work properly.)
An Taisce has appealed the council's decision to An Bord Pleanála. Honorary planning officer Dr Catherine McMullin said the dish at what is the main entrance to guided tours of the house would be "highly visible" and "a modern intrusion on the walls of the protected structure".
Dr McMullin cited the department's own guidelines on architectural heritage protection, which it had issued to planning authorities.
The dish would be an intrusive modern feature "and quite out of place", Dr McMullin said. Modern technology was constantly evolving and the council should have considered the recommendations of its consultant.