Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleague, Deputy Dooley, for bringing this motion before the House. I listened to the various contributions to the debate in my office earlier. We cannot overestimate the importance of local radio stations to communities. Tipperary has Tipp FM, an independent station, and Tipperary Mid West Radio, a community based station. The community stations are under extreme pressure. Only for the fact that all their work is carried out voluntarily they would be unable to survive. I was talking to the chief executive of Tipperary Mid West Radio this morning and she said that one of the things she finds most annoying is that if the station gets a grant for any refurbishment or improvement, it is forced to pay a levy on that grant. It is nonsensical. These stations are finding it extremely difficult to keep their heads above water. Tipperary Mid West Radio runs two draws per year. It is the only way to get income to keep the station on the air.

As politicians, we cannot over-stress the importance of local radio stations. They give us a platform to communicate to our electorate. They give coverage to all politicians. This morning there was an issue in my local town and I was able to get onto Tipp FM to put across my point of view. Otherwise I would have been unable to convey to the people my view of a decision being taken in the town. The stations are important for us and for all groups who wish to advocate on a matter. They provide a platform for a local viewpoint and for local groups to get their message across.

We must step up to the mark. The radio stations are under economic pressure and we must ensure they are kept financially viable and on the air.

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