A proposal to erect a telecommunications mast in one of the country's most scenic areas has led to objections from environmentalists and conservationists. Tourism interests also have expressed concern.
Plans to erect a 30 m latticework tower to carry antennae and equipment and to erect a fence compound at Ladies' View, Looscaunagh, overlooking the Killarney Lakes were submitted in March to Kerry County Council by Eircell.
The proposal is to erect the mast on lands owned by Coillte, which has granted an option of land lease to Eircell.
Ladies' View is one of the oldest and most popular tourist spots in the Killarney valley, with uninterrupted views of the Black Valley and Killarney Lakes.
The proposed mast is west of the famous viewing spot after Ladies' View car-park en route to Kenmare on the Ring of Kerry road.
Both An Taisce and Killarney Nature Conservation Group (KNCG) have lodged objections.
An Taisce says the proposed mast would be in a prominent location on a hill at the edge of the Killarney National Park and would be inappropriate for such a high-amenity area.
The Killarney Nature Conservation Group also has objected to the mast's location. The Eircell mast would be highly visible on a premier tourist route, Ms Rose Barnes, chairwoman of the KNCG, said.
A spokeswoman for Eircell said it would be the first to admit the mast was higher than usual: "It is higher than usual applications but because of the topography of the area we have to go higher. Otherwise we are wasting our time."
The mast is designed to serve black spots, such as the Black Valley and the N71 from Killarney to Moll's Gap, she said.
"We would not be proposing a mast in such a scenic area unless it was absolutely necessary," the spokeswoman for Eircell said. Eircell had a good track record in consultation with local communities and would be happy to meet objectors, she said.
A decision on the application is due next week.