Vol. 416 No. 2
19 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if her attention has been drawn to the fact that residents in the vicinity of the Radio Tara mast are still experiencing considerable interference with their telephones and other electronic equipment, despite the best efforts of Telecom Éireann and the ESB; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
33 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she will withdraw the licence used by Atlantic 252, formerly known as Radio Tara, issued under the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960 because of their failure to comply with this Act as outlined in the reply to Parlimentary Questions Nos. 215 and 217 of 24 October 1989, and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 33 together.
The frequency assigned to RTE in respect of Atlantic 252 is licensed under the terms of the general broadcasting licence issued under section 16 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960. Under the terms of the licence RTE are required to ensure that their broadcasting transmitters do not cause interference to Telecom Éireann plant or equipment or other apparatus licensed under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts. To the extent that interference is caused, RTE must bear the costs of eliminating it. I have been informed by RTE that when the station commenced transmission in 1989 there were a large number of complaints of interference to telephone subscribers but that close co-operation between RTE and Telecom Éireann eliminated to a considerable degree any interference problems that arose.
I understand that the number of interference complaints have dropped considerably and would not warrant consideration of revocation of the licence.
The action to be taken in individual cases to resolve problems is a matter for RTE and Telecom Éireann. I have no statutory responsibility in relation to the Electricity Supply Board or their work.
