Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Television Reception.

Enda Kenny

Question:

348 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has satisfied herself that RTE, Network 2 and TG4 are being received in all parts of County Mayo; if she has received representations from communities in the county regarding the quality of service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10975/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

I have been made aware of concerns of communities in parts of County Mayo about the poor quality of reception of RTE services.

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 RTE's national broadcasting services.

RTE reports that good quality television reception of RTE 1, Network 2 and TG4 is available in County Mayo except in an area north east of Belmullet, which includes Carrowteige, Pollatomish and Porturlin. RTE states that viewers in this area have inadequate television reception due to the fact that, to date, RTE has been unsuccessful in acquiring a transmitter site, despite many efforts over the past number of years. RTE further reports that it is continuing its efforts to resolve this problem and is in negotiations which it hopes will result in a site becoming available.