One petition against the mast garnered over 170 signatures.

Gardaí says the culprits have no consideration for the disruption this causes in rural communities.

Gardai are investigating the stealing of copper wire in the Carrickmacross region.

Organisers claim the mast would "take away the picturesque setting and character" of the village.

Permission was sought for a 15 meter high telecommunications structure at the Eir Exchange and an 18 meter high structure at an Eir Exchange in Ballyhaise.

In its original planning application, Eir noted that "Kingscourt is a known coverage weak spot".

Eir appealed the decision to deny permission for the 21 metre high communications structure in the village.

A number of submissions raised concerns over the visual impact of the mast and possible health impacts.