An Bord Pleanála has said that a replacement telecommunications mast at the Garda station in Kenmare, Co Kerry, will not need planning permission.
However, an accompanying storage container that has been in place for some years will have to get permission or be removed.
The existing mast is in the yard of the Garda station, which is a protected structure, has several antennae and dishes and is 33m high.
It is used by a number of telecoms providers including O2, Vodafone and Hutchinson and is to be replaced by a stronger structure of the same height to be located three metres away from the existing mast.
Located on the southern side of Shelbourne Street within Kenmare town centre the mast was the subject of a referral to the board by a local resident.
The area in question is a proposed architectural conservation area.
Eileen Daly of Tubrid, Kenmare, argued against the erection of any new structure or equipment and claimed the existing mast, which has been there for nine years, was not in compliance with planning.
An Bord Pleanála ruled that masts and satellite structures providing infrastructural communications services for the public on government property are exempt from planning permission under the development and planning regulations, but said the storage container in the yard was not exempt.