Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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963.To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost to provide Raidió Rí-Rá on FM as a full-time service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33143/24]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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964.To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the estimated first- and full-year cost of establishing a full-time national Irish language radio station aimed at 15 to 34-year-olds. [33167/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 963 and 964 together.

In 2022, the former Broadcasting Authority of Ireland together with Foras na Gaeilge, and supported by my Department, commissioned a research project to ascertain the level of interest in a youth focused, Irish language radio station.

There were two separate phases to the research project. Firstly, the views of a national representative sample of 15 to 34 year olds were sought regarding their interest in, and openness to, listening to an Irish language station. The second element was to ascertain the views of Irish language speaking communities regarding their audio and media habits, the type of audio content (both English and Irish) that they engaged with, and perceived gaps in Irish language content provision.

The resulting report, published February 2023, found that, on a national level, the youth market is highly engaged with audio content, and radio is still the leading format among audio content providers. However, the target audience of 15 to 34 year olds is becoming increasingly non-linear as they move to digital content consumption and content such as podcasts.

Coimisiún na Meán are currently undertaking a feasibility study on a potential Irish Language Youth Radio Service. This will include, but not be limited to, identifying cost-effective models and options for the potential establishment and provision of said service, as well as the necessary related sectoral impact and public value assessments.

I have previously stated that, if possible, I would like to see this type of service being put in place but it not be appropriate for me to pre-empt the outcome of this ongoing process. It is also important to note that any such new service would require the appropriate licence, and Coimisiún na Meán, as the independent broadcasting regulator, is responsible for the licensing of independent radio broadcasting services in Ireland. As such this is a process in which in which I as Minister have no role.