Written answers

Thursday, 16 October 2014

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Radio Broadcasting Issues

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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226. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the policy in place to ensure that digital radio programmes are available to all listeners throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39711/14]

Photo of Alex WhiteAlex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital radio in Ireland. This Act gives RTÉ the power to establish and operate a multiplex for the purposes of providing a digital sound broadcasting service and gives the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) responsibility for licensing spectrum in respect of digital sound broadcasting services. In addition, it provides that the primary responsibility for ensuring the development of commercial digital radio rests with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

In regard to the current availability of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) services in Ireland, RTÉ operates a DAB service from five sites around the country and there is also a commercial trial DAB service operating from Three Rock Mountain near Dublin. It should also be noted that RTÉ's national radio services and a number of RTÉ digital radio services are available to virtually the whole population on RTÉ's SAORVIEW and SAORSAT platforms. In addition, the 2009 Act permits the services of analogue sound broadcasting contractors to be retransmitted in a digital format on UPC and other cable television systems and a number of radio services are available in a digital format via this medium, including RTÉ radio services and those of a number of local and national sound broadcasters.

While there are no plans at present to roll out DAB services on a national basis, the BAI will continue to monitor and consider the potential for the development of digital radio in Ireland. In this regard, the BAI has supported various DAB trials, has organised research and has indicated in its Work Plan for 2014 to 2016 its intention to further discuss the potential for DAB or other types of digital radio services through stakeholder meetings during the period covered by the plan.

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