The High Court has made an order overturning An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for erection of a mobile phone mast by O2 near Ballylinan, Co Laois, and has directed a new hearing of the matter.
Permission for the 24-metre high mast was refused by Laois County Council in July 2004 on grounds that it materially contravened the Co Laois development plan.
This plan stated that mobile phone masts must not be located within 400 metres of any occupied dwelling.
However, 02 appealed to An Bord Pleanala which - in a decision of November 26 th, 2004 - allowed the appeal and granted permission.