About 30 people, some handcuffed to each other, staged a protest on the grounds of Keel Garda station in Achill yesterday to prevent Esat Digifone from erecting a 30-metre communications mast at the station.
The protesters, all local residents, refused to leave the site unless they were given guarantees the equipment with the new mast would be removed from the site until they could consider getting an injunction.
The protesters, some very angry, said they would not leave the site until the planned transfer of their local garda, Peter Howley - who has served the district for over 30 years - was reversed.
Residents believe Garda Howley, who did not join in the protest, will be transferred because he objects to the new mast.
Garda Howley confirmed he had been informed yesterday of his transfer to Westport, but added: "I don't want to comment as this matter will be taken up elsewhere."
Supt Frank Gunther, who negotiated with the crowd, said he wanted a peaceful settlement, but warned the people would be forcibly removed if necessary as they were on private property.
He said at the moment the area had no communications mast and that was his first concern, given the crime levels and the recent murder of two elderly people.
After lengthy negotiations and communication with Esat Digifone management, it was agreed the cabin which was part of the new communications system would be taken out until the protesters could seek legal advice and a possible injunction in the High Court.
Mr Sean Dunleavy, chief planning officer with Mayo County Council, who was called to the scene, said the mast would be the same height as the old one and it was not necessary to have planning permission.
Ms Maeve Calvey, who lives beside the station and had handcuffed herself to part of the steel base of the mast, said fears had been raised in several parts of the country over the dangers of the microwave communication system.
She said they had no objections to the mast itself going up; but they were afraid of the dangers that might be posed from the cabin which houses the new microwave system.
The protesters agreed to withdraw and allow the mast to go up on conditions that the cabin be removed and their local garda be reinstated.