Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. Thirty years after the licence was given, local radio stations are at a crossroads. A huge challenge is facing them. We talk about building strong communities and encouraging people to participate in their communities. One major thing that holds many communities together is a local radio station. They go far beyond any of the national stations. They give a voice to people who would otherwise be voiceless. They provide a service right across the spectrum. We are very lucky in my part of the world. We have the C103 station, which broadcasts the "Cork Today" programme in the mornings with Ms Patricia Messinger and Mr. John Paul McNamara. We also have agriculture broadcasting. Agricultural programmes are unique to local radio stations. Those agricultural programmes speak to the issues of a particular community and part of the world, as distinct from other counties. We also have Mr. John O'Connor, who has been producing and directing his own programmes for many years.

At this point, local radio stations face serious funding challenges. It is time to accept that there is a problem. There has been plenty of lobbying and discussion in respect of local radio, but these broadcasters are at a crossroads. The Minister needs to take direct action. Deputy Dooley's proposals are welcome and should be implemented. We cannot leave to die this gem, which serves communities throughout the length and breadth of the country so well.

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