Mr. Declan Gibbons:

Through collaboration with the BAI, CRAOL has created a robust, effective community media model which delivers a range of services to each community. To continue, it requires the stability of regular, assured operational funding. Within the existing 22 community radio stations, there are more than 100 people employed on a full or part-time basis. Each station also has an average of approximately 100 volunteers, which is a total of more than 2,200 volunteers active each week throughout the country. The Red C poll to which Sally referred shows that we are broadcasting to 307,000 listeners, or 10% of the total radio market. It is not some tiny niche. The numbers would rise proportionately with an increase in active stations. There are a large number of other community radio projects throughout the country which are ready to go but are blocked by lack of access to secure funding.