Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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237. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to this Deputy's question in October 2011, the progress made in making a service available in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1648/16]

Alex 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 public service broadcasting radio multiplex for the purposes of providing a digital sound broadcasting service. It also provides that the primary responsibility for ensuring the development of commercial digital radio rests with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). Finally, the Act gives the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) responsibility for licensing spectrum in respect of digital sound broadcasting services.

In April 2009, ComReg issued a digital radio multiplex licence to RTÉ and, to date, RTÉ has invested in a DAB network for carriage of its PSB services that covers approximately 53% of the population, predominantly in the areas around Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Cork and Limerick. A commercial multiplex has yet to be established in Ireland, although I understand that DAB trials have been carried out by two different companies through ComReg’s Test and Trial Regime. Additional content for such DAB trials is supported through short duration reduced fee contracts by the BAI.

While I understand that there are no plans at present to rollout DAB services on a national basis, in line with its statutory responsibilities in this area, the BAI continues to monitor and consider the potential for the development of digital radio in Ireland.