Written answers

Thursday, 11 October 2012

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Television Reception

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will intervene to find a positive outcome for the residents of areas of west Kerry (details supplied), where Saorview will not be available on 24 October and where Saorsat installers have come back with negative results; if he will work to ensure that these areas will have a viable television service available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43507/12]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

RTÉ has built, owns and controls the Saorview TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This includes information on transmitter sites being used. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ. Section 130 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 Act provides that RTÉ must roll out a national digital TV network to the same extent as its existing analogue network. In this regard, I understand from RTÉ that their analogue network covers 98% of the population and the Saorview network will also provide 98% population coverage. It is impossible to cover 100% of the population by terrestrial means.

The SAORVIEW network is largely completed. Regarding cover in County Kerry I have been informed by RTÉ Networks Limited (RTÉNL) that SAORVIEW is a significant improvement over Analogue Terrestrial Television coverage in County Kerry as follows:

RTÉ One analogue 90% population compared with SAORVIEW 95% - an increase of 5%

RTÉ Two Analogue 90% population compared with SAORVIEW 95% - an increase of 5%

TV3 Analogue 44% population compared with SAORVIEW 95%- an increase of 51%

TG4 Analogue 75% population compared with SAORVIEW 95% - an increase of 20%

Geographical SAORVIEW coverage of Kerry is also far better than analogue was and is as follows:

RTÉ One Analogue 75% area compared with SAORVIEW 87% - an increase of 12%

RTÉ Two Analogue 75% area compared with SAORVIEW 87% - an increase of 12%

TV3 Analogue 40% area compared with SAORVIEW 87% - an increase of 47%

TG4 Analogue 64% area compared with SAORVIEW 87% - an increase of 23%

As I mentioned above it is simply not possible to provide 100% coverage by terrestrial means. In relation to the specific areas as referenced, according to RTÉNL, because of local topography they are SAORVIEW challenged. The information in relation to SAORVIEW coverage is on the SAORVIEW and RTÉNL web pages ( and ). I would point out to the Deputy that these coverage maps are conservative and RTÉNL recommend people in these marginal areas talk to a competent local aerial installer.

In addition to SAORVIEW RTÉ has developed SAORSAT, a new free-to-air satellite service unique to Ireland to ensure the RTÉ television services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. RTÉ is not obliged to provide this satellite service and is doing so on its own initiative. I have been informed by RTÉNL that they arranged additional SAORSAT training for installers on Monday 1st October. Ten installers attended a training course in Kerry. The course was open to any installer and the ones that attended were from areas such as Firies, Killorglin, Kenmare, Killarney, Cahersiveen, Beaufort, Waterville and Castleisland. The course showed, inter alia, the best dish type to use, how to attach the dish correctly and how to position it correctly.

According to RTÉNL, the parameters for SAORSAT are a little bit tighter than installers would be used to with Sky or Freesat but a good SAORSAT installation is well within the capabilities of any competent installer. Installers that are having difficulty installing SAORSAT should contact RTÉNL directly and RTÉNL will arrange the necessary training.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.