Vol. 419 No. 6
186 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if, in respect of the licence to supply MMDS television service to counties Mayo and Sligo, she will outline (a) when such licences were advertised, (b) the number and name of each applicant, (c) the closing date for receipt of applications and (d) to which groups such licences were issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Expressions of interest in applying for licences for MMDS to cover the whole country (29 cells) were advertised in the national daily papers of 6th May, 1988. The closing date for receipt of applications was 31st August, 1988.
In an attempt to ensure the provision of MMDS services on a national basis, my Department indicated preferred groupings of cells to applicants. Mayo and Sligo were grouped with Donegal as a preferred franchise area. No applications to serve the complete franchise were received by the closing date.
Three applications were received for part of Mayo (most of the County apart from the Western portion) and one for Sligo. No applications were received for West Mayo or for Donegal.
The application submitted by Cablelink for Mayo was considered the most suitable and the franchise for Mayo was awarded to Cablelink Ltd. on condition that they provide service to all of County Mayo. The only application for Sligo was examined by my Department but could not be recommended.
Cable Management of Ireland Ltd. subsequently expressed an interest in serving both Sligo and Donegal and were later awarded the franchise on receipt of an acceptable application from them.
It is not customary to name applicants who were unsuccessful in their applications.
