Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 1

Written Answers. - MMDS Licences.

Ivan Yates

Question:

59 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the closing date for the receipt of applications in 1998 for the 28 MMDS franchise licences; and if her officials will confirm that all applications were lodged on or before that date. [13547/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The competition for the award of 30 MMDS licences was advertised in the national newspapers on 6 May 1988. Completed detailed applications were required to be submitted to the Department of Communications by 31 August 1988.

At the closing date for the competition, 31 August 1988, applications had been received from 16 different companies or individuals. These covered 24 out of the total of 30 cell franchises which had been advertised.

No applications were received for six cells; i.e. cells Nos. 1, 2 and 3, Donegal, cell No. 4, west Mayo; and cells Nos. 7 and 8, Cavan-Monaghan.

Cablelink Limited, which had successfully applied for cell No. 5, was obliged to take cell No. 4. Cells Nos. 7 and 8 were awarded to Drogheda Independent Limited, a subsidiary of Independent Newspapers, which had successfully applied for cells Nos. 9 and 12 and indicated a willingness to take those cells. These decisions were announced on 30 September 1989. Finally, cells Nos. 1, 2 and 3 were awarded to Cable Management Ireland Limited in April 1990 on the basis of an application received in October 1989.

Richard Bruton

Question:

60 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise whether approval was necessary by the Minister for Communications for the takeover by Princes Holdings of Westward Cable and Cork Communications in 1992 under the terms under which MMDS licences were issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13576/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Under the terms of licences issued under the Wireless Telegraphy (Television Programme Retransmission) Regulations, 1989 for the provision of MMDS services there is no requirement on licensees to seek the approval of the Minister for Communications for the type of take-overs mentioned in the Deputy's question.

Details of the proposed take-overs were, however, notified to the then Minister for Industry and Commerce in accordance with section 5(1) of the Mergers, Take-Overs and Monopolies (Control) Act, 1978, as amended by the Competition Act, 1991. The then Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications was consulted. No objections were raised.