Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for attending to discuss this important issue. It came as a shock a number of weeks ago when it was mentioned on "Prime Time" that Lyric FM in Limerick might be closing as part of RTÉ's cost-saving measures. I am concerned about the closure of the Limerick studio. I have had a number of meetings with Lyric FM, which plays an important role in the cultural life, not only of Limerick, but of Ireland. It has a large listenership from all over the country and there has been a ground swell of support for the staff and the station. While I am aware that the station is not closing but being dispersed to Cork and Dublin, our national broadcaster's proposed closure of the Limerick studio is going against the grain of what the Government is trying to deliver. Under Project Ireland 2040, the Government has spoken about everything happening in the regions. For example, six in every ten jobs that have been created in recent years have all been outside the M50 and in the regions. However, this move has literally drawn a circle around the mid-west and decided to get rid of it and move so many people to Cork and so many to Dublin. The Minister's other remit is climate action. Staff piling into cars to drive to Cork and Dublin will add to climate change issues.

This Thursday evening, a number of cultural institutions, including choirs and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, will hold an event in the chamber orchestra's performance space to support Lyric FM.

I am worried about losing this cultural heritage in Limerick and the wider region and about the job losses. Twenty-five jobs will be lost, which will have knock-on effects for their families. RTÉ has a cultural director, yet that person has never even visited the Lyric FM studio. The University of Limerick has offered space to RTÉ and other organisations are willing to offer space at knock-down rates to keep Lyric FM in Limerick.

Given my major concerns about this issue, I look forward to hearing from the Minister.