James Leonard
Question:72 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will request RTE to improve its signal in the Monaghan and north Monaghan area through the provision of a transmitter.[10807/97]
Written Answers. - Television Reception.
The issue raised by the Deputy is the day-to-day responsibility of the RTE Authority and I have no statutory function in the matter.
However, in accordance with long-standing custom. I am prepared to furnish to the House information supplied by RTE in response to questions relating specifically to improvements in reception of national broadcasting services.
In this regard RTE has advised that it is aware that television coverage in Monaghan town and north Monaghan is variable and that good quality reception is difficult in certain instances. This is due to the undulating nature of the terrain and the lack of good transmission sites.
RTE has upgraded the existing transmitter at Lugad Hill by increasing its power. This has improved the picture quality and extended the service area, particularly in Monaghan town and beyond in a northerly direction.
A new UHF transmitter is being planned for north Monaghan to serve Emyvale. This is subject to site acquisition, planning permission and frequency allocation.