asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if there are any proposals for the improvement of television reception in the Nire Valley area, County Waterford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford TV Reception.
5.
RTE have no plans for the improvement of television reception in the Nire Valley area in the near future.
Is the Minister aware of how bad television reception has been in the Nire Valley since RTE were established? I would ask him to do something to remedy the situation.
I do not think the Deputy was present for my statement this morning on the Estimate for Posts and Telegraphs when I spoke about RTE's plans for improving reception. They will get £1 million for this purpose in the next few years and they will do their best. However, to be perfectly straight and candid with the Deputy and with those concerned about this matter, I said there are some areas where, owing to unusual topographical configurations and to sparse settlement, it would appear uneconomic in present technological conditions to improve reception. I am afraid that the Nire Valley, which is very thinly populated, is in that unfortunate position. I would like to hold out hope for the Deputy but I am afraid it would not be fair to those whom he represents if I did so because in present conditions I do not see much hope of change.