Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are all aware of the importance of local radio, in terms of public service and news roles and also in giving a platform for local artists and community initiatives. The fund of €2.5 million was available for Covid-related programming up until the end of the summer, but since then local radio stations have been in dire straits with a dramatic drop in revenue, and particularly under level 5 restrictions.

There are serious concerns in the sector about the additional €2 million that was allocated under the July stimulus. Is it correct to say that this funding was a separate stream for elements of the radio sector that were not eligible for the previous €2.5 million Covid round? This would mean that local radio stations are not in a position to avail of this round of funding. I wonder if the Minister could clarify this. It would mean, in fact, that they have had no additional help since the end of the summer, for this period and going into 2021. Will the Minister consider making an additional grant available to local radio stations given their dire financial predicament?

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