An O2 spokesperson has apologised for intermittent mobile phone coverage in the Castlewellan area and said that its engineers are “working as quickly as possible” to rectify the issue.
The Mourne Observer has been contacted by a number of local residents about the ongoing issue — which local political representatives have been posting about — in the town and its surrounding area. A facility on the O2 website that allows users to check network issues in the area results in a message that advises: “Sorry, a phone mast close to you isn’t working. We’re carrying out essential maintenance at the site. While we do this, you might have some trouble with your calls, texts and data, sorry. We’ll update you by Thursday 16 October 2025.”
This paper contacted O2 for an update on the maintenance work, including when it is envisaged that it will be completed and normal service will be resumed. A network spokesperson responded: “We apologise to customers in the Castlewellan area who may be experiencing intermittent issues with their services. Our engineers are aware of the problem and are working as quickly as possible to fully restore customers’ services. We recommend customers ensure they have Wi-Fi calling enabled on their device, as it will allow them to make and receive calls and text messages whilst connected to a broadband network.”
Last week, Slieve Croob councillor Alan Lewis (DUP) posted that he had been in touch with Ofcom regarding “the ongoing O2 mobile signal problems affecting parts of Clough and Castlewellan.” He added that the communications regulator had contacted the relevant team in O2 and had “encouraged them to contact me, as your local representative, to discuss the issue.”
“In the meantime, if you’re affected by this disruption, please report it directly to Virgin Media/O2 through their website or app — this helps strengthen the case for urgent action,” the councillor wrote. “I’ll continue to stay in touch with Ofcom and will share any further updates as soon as I have them.”
South Down MP Chris Hazzard (Sinn Féin) stated that, for over a week, his constituency office has been “inundated with concerns from residents, businesses and schools in Castlewellan and the surrounding areas about poor phone signal and weak connectivity.”
“This persistent disruption is unacceptable,” he posted. “I am in touch with relevant mobile service providers. They need to complete the necessary repair works to restore full and reliable services as quickly as possible. I will continue to campaign for better connectivity for our rural communities and ensure they receive the essential services they deserve.”
