Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 799: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that RTÉ has the capacity to roll out a full digital terrestrial television infrastructure by the end of 2009 due to funding challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29609/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007, RTÉ, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) have obligations to provide for the rollout of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and to assist in the development of a plan for analogue switch off.

There is no requirement on RTÉ to roll out a full DTT infrastructure by end 2009. I am informed by RTÉ that a considerable part of the DTT network has already been built by the company. This build represents the most difficult and costly part of the build plan as it includes the main transmitter sites in Ireland. It is expected that the first phase of DTT services, the date of commencement of which is not yet decided, will provide coverage of about 85% of the country. In order to develop a viable and reliable national DTT service, additional build work will be necessary. In particular, the country's minor transmitter sites will need to be upgraded.

This will provide 'infill' coverage to ensure that the DTT service is reliable and to ensure that outlying areas in the West, North, North West and South of the country, those areas most reliant on the analogue terrestrial service, are also served by DTT. I am confident that the DTT network will be built in time for the switch off of the analogue television services in 2012.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 800: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the effects of the Wales analogue switch-off in autumn 2009 on television viewers in the south east; the counties which will be affected; the measures in place to ensure minimal disruption; his advice for the affected viewers; if he will provide information and support to these viewers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29610/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Wales is set to switch off its analogue television services in autumn 2009. As the Deputy will realise this is a development over which I have no control. It is likely to impact viewers along the South East of the country who currently receive overspill of the UK television signals. Viewers on cable and satellite will not be affected.

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has statutory responsibility for the licensing of DTT and is currently engaged in negotiations with a consortium in this regard. Depending on the commercial DTT package available, persons who subscribe to future commercial DTT services should be able to receive UK television channels currently available via analogue overspill.