Ms Jackie O'Neill:

CRAOL welcomed the 2022 recommendation by the Future of Media Commission that a community media fund be established. We eagerly await the implementation of this fund in 2025 for a 2026 start. We ask that budget 2026 has the necessary allocation of funds to begin this much-needed funding. We must mention the social benefit funding under Sound and Vision 4. This funding has been a lifeline since Covid-19. To have this small but regular source of funding has helped community radio reach the social benefit markers we are measured on since 2020. Community radio is not in every community, but imagine if it was. We will celebrate national community radio day on Friday, 20 June in Newcastle West with West Limerick 102FM. We invite members to tune in to craol.ie and hear more about the great work happening across the CRAOL network of radio stations.