asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the very bad reception of television programmes in the Castletownbere area of West Cork; and if he has any proposals from the Engineering Branch of his Department to improve visual and sound reception in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Reception in West Cork.
48.
I am aware that reception of television programmes is unsatisfactory in a number of areas including the Castletownbere district. As I announced when moving the second reading of the Broadcasting Authority Amendment Bill, 1963, the Authority plans to carry out a survey of all areas where reception is deficient and has in fact arranged to provide satellite transmitters in seven locations where surveys indicated that they are essential. Further areas will be dealt with under the second stage of the Authority's satellite programme and a transmitter will be provided to serve the Castletownbere area if the Authority is satisfied that it is warranted.
On the question of improving sound reception in the area, I would like to say that financial provision has been made in the recent Act for the establishment of a national VHF service which should greatly improve reception of the Radio Éireann sound programmes in all areas where reception is at present unsatisfactory.