Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 4

Written Answers. - RTE Radio Cork.

Máirín Quill

Question:

102 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he intends to extend broadcasting hours at RTE Radio Cork, 89FM; and the steps, if any, he will take to enable this station to broadcast to wider audiences in Cork County. [2255/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The total number of hours of broadcasting by RTÉ for its Cork Local Radio service is fixed by the Authority with my approval.

My Department has received an initial application from RTÉ seeking a small increase in the number of hours of broadcasting. The matter has been the subject of discussions between RTÉ and officials of my Department and a detailed case in support of the initial application by RTÉ is awaited.

RTÉ has also indicated that it wishes to improve the FM transmission of this service. However, I understand that this proposal does not envisage an extension of the existing coverage area and the radio frequency management aspects of this proposal are a matter for the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications in the first instance.