Wexford County Council has issued a warning letter to mobile operator O2 to remove their unauthorised phone mast at St. Mogues G.A.A pitch in Fethard.

Prior to this an enforcement notice was served to O2 Communications on July 3 to remove the mast, but the company has not responded.

A spokesman for O2 said on Monday the company will shortly' lodge a planning retention application to Wexford County Council in respect of the mast.

The proposed mobile communications infrastructure is necessary to improve the quality of 2G mobile phone coverage in Fethard-on-Sea and the surrounding areas,' said the spokesperson, playing down the concerns of residents regarding the perceived health risks associated with such masts.

O2 Ireland's nationwide network of base stations adhere to the strictest of standards set by the International Commission for Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and supported by the World Health Organisation,' said the spokesperson, adding that ComReg, also audits O2 base stations to ensure full compliance with international standards and guidelines.'