asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that reception from Radio Éireann in several districts in County Kerry is very poor, and, if so, if he will take steps to have it improved as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann—Kerry Reception.
In reply to a question on similar lines on the 27th October, 1954, about reception in the Skibbereen area, I gave particulars in some detail of the causes of interference with good reception in the outer areas of the country. In brief, they are that the first-class service area of a medium-wave station like Athlone does not extend beyond 80 to 90 miles from the transmitter. However, with a good earth and aerial and an efficient set reasonably good reception should ordinarily be obtainable. The second cause of trouble with reception is that there are too many broadcasting stations in Europe for the number of wavelengths available for them and there is, therefore, a general state of interference. Radio Éireann engineers are watching the position closely to see whether the reception situation can be improved but there is no easy or quick solution.