RTÉ has built, owns and controls the Saorview TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ. Section 130 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 Act provides that RTÉ must roll out a national digital TV network to the same extent as its existing analogue network. In this regard, I understand from RTÉ that their analogue network covers 98% of the population and the Saorview network will also provide 98% population coverage. It is impossible to cover 100% of the population by terrestrial means. The SAORVIEW network is largely completed. The remaining thirteen sites will be brought into service over the next few weeks. These sites will be coming on air between 24th September and 1st October and RTÉ will operate a local campaign to inform people.
Regarding Kerry, I have been informed by RTÉ Networks Limited that six of the fifty five SAORVIEW transmission sites are located in County Kerry (Mullaghanish –Cork/Kerry border, Kilkeaveragh, Maamclasagh, Dingle, Knockmoyle, Conc An Oir). Additionally, parts of county Kerry are covered by transmission sites in other counties (Castletownbere, Bantry – Cork, Maghera – Clare). SAORVIEW coverage in Kerry gives the follows improvements over the old analogue network:
- An improvement in terrestrial availability of 5% for RTÉ One and RTÉ Two
- An improvement in terrestrial availability of 20% for TG4
- An improvement in terrestrial availability of 51% for TV3
In addition to Saorview, RTÉ has developed SAORSAT, a new free-to-air satellite service unique to Ireland to ensure the RTÉ television services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. SAORSAT launched in March 2012. Currently, SAORSAT provides access to the RTÉ channels including the new RTÉ channels developed for SAORVIEW and TG4. TV3 has not yet made a decision regarding SAORSAT. RTÉ is not obliged to provide this satellite service and is doing so on its own initiative. I am informed that with this satellite service, Ireland will have a national TV network covering 100% of the population for the first time including any parts of County Kerry that cannot access SAORVIEW. Further information on SAORSAT, SAORVIEW coverage and the transmitters being used is available on www.saorview.ie.
