asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware of the serious interference caused by a foreign station on the wavelength of Radio Éireann; and if so, whether he will arrange to have the necessary plant installed to enable listeners to have better reception.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Interference.
After dark interference with the Athlone station programmes is caused by the unauthorised operation close to the Athlone station wavelength of at least one definitely identified foreign station. It is not practicable to provide equipment at a broadcasting station that would eliminate or reduce interference from other stations operating on or near to the same wavelength. The appropriate method of dealing with interference is to try to secure that the administration in control of the station causing it will have the interference stopped. Everything possible is being done in that direction in connection with the interference with the Athlone programmes.
Is the Minister aware that in another country they have been able to meet this difficulty by putting in a special boosting plant?
But the wavelengths are not so close. The way to deal with it, as the Deputy knows, is the way in which it was dealt with before.