asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of poor TV reception in certain pockets of high density in the Carrigaline and Pasage West areas of County Cork; and if, in view of the growing population, he will have a survey of the area carried out with a view to improving the situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork TV Reception.
24.
RTE are aware that reception in the areas in question is less than satisfactory. They say that preliminary field strength surveys have been carried out in both areas, that they are carrying out a more detailed survey in Passage West Area at the present time and that Carrigaline will be the subject of more detailed surveys as part of the normal course of development of RTE's two-channel television service. RTE are not in a position at this stage to say when reception will be improved in these areas.
Is the Minister aware that a big portion of the town of Passage cannot receive RTE 2 and that RTE 1 reception is very poor in the town? Is the Minister aware that the station at Crosshaven, at present transmitting on UHF, is low-powered and not able to get as far as the other end of the parish which is in Carrigaline?
I am not aware of the power of the station but I undertake to communicate that information to RTE. As the Deputy will appreciate it is not possible to improve the reception of RTE 2 in all areas at the same time. RTE will take steps to ensure reception at the earliest possible moment.
Will the Minister ask RTE 2 to look at the situation at Passage? Some of the trouble was caused when NET was built there. Surely it is possible to erect a small inexpensive low-powered sub-station across the river at Carrigaline? Will the Minister ask RTE to investigate that?
I will communicate the Deputy's suggestions to RTE.