Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague, Deputy Naughten, in what he said. I reiterate that in a constituency like Galway East, where we have had a significant amount of flooding for a long period and where many local roads were blocked, local radio proved to be a vital information tool to direct people on how to access their homes, to know where to go and what was going on in terms of electricity cuts. That is very important.

The other benefit provided by local radio stations is the local connection for people who are at home who want to listen to their local club match on the radio and to hear how things are going every Saturday and Sunday evening. A great service is being provided by local radio stations. They are very much part of the fabric of society, especially in rural areas. Where people cannot go to matches or local mass, they can hear coverage on the radio. All of that kind of service is now provided by local radio stations and we take it for granted now. The industry is under severe pressure and this would be an indication that we do support it and that we recognise the service they provide, which goes beyond what any national broadcaster will ever be able to do. For that reason, it is so important that we support local radio stations.