asked the Minister for Communications if he has approved a proposal by RTE to establish Radio 3; and if so, the overall cost of the proposal.
Written Answers. - Radio Service.
90.
As the Deputy will be aware, RTE already run three national radio services; Radio 1, Radio 2 and Raidio na Gaeltachta. At a recent meeting between myself, the Minister of State and the Chairman and Director General of RTE, possible future developments of national radio were discussed.
I raised the question of Raidio na Gaeltachta being developed into a truly national all-Irish radio service incorporating existing programming or giving opt-out facilities for na Gaeltachtaí for several hours each day, as appropriate. This is unlikely to happen — at least in the immediate future. However, RTE have sought my approval for additional broadcasting hours which would enable Raidio na Gaeltachta to come on the air from 8 a.m. each morning; I expect to convey a decision on this to RTE shortly.
In addition, a proposal by RTE to establish a fourth radio service on long wave was discussed and RTE are conducting further research on the proposal. RTE estimate the capital cost of establishing such a service at £5.7 million with annual running costs of approximately £5 million.