asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware of the very unsatisfactory reception from Radio Éireann in West Cork and particularly in the Skibbereen district; and, if so, if he will state what steps are being taken to improve the position.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Reception from Radio Éireann.
I am aware that complaints of poor reception have been made from time to time by people in the West Cork area.
I should explain that a number of coastal districts are outside the first-class service area of the Athlone Station and to get the best practicable reception in these districts a good aerial and earth are essential, as well as a receiver of good quality. Because of the insufficiency of wavelengths for the number of stations working in Europe at present and because of the general political situation in Europe, there is considerable interference between stations, especially after dark. Due to their proximity to the Continent, places on the south and southeast coasts of Ireland are affected more than other parts of Ireland by interference from foreign stations.
Owing to the circumstances I have referred to, it is very difficult to secure first-class reception in all areas, but we are taking every step possible in the matter. I should mention that a new five-kilowatt transmitter was installed in Cork a week ago and is being tested at present. Although this transmitter is not powerful enough for long-distance transmission, I believe that many West Cork listeners will be able to get better reception from it than from Athlone. A new 100-kilowatt transmitter will be installed in Athlone during the year and we are hoping that it will improve reception generally.