Brendan Griffin
Question:434. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views regarding digital radio dab (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19241/14]
View answerWednesday, 30 April 2014
Questions (434)
Written answers
The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital radio in Ireland. This Act gives RTÉ the power to establish and operate a multiplex for the purposes of providing a digital sound broadcasting service and gives the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) responsibility for licensing spectrum in respect of digital sound broadcasting services. In addition, it provides that the primary responsibility for ensuring the development of commercial digital radio rests with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.In regard to the current availability of DAB services in Ireland, RTÉ operates a DAB service from five sites around the country and there is also a commercial trial DAB service operating from Three Rock Mountain near Dublin. In addition, the 2009 Act permits the services of analogue sound broadcasting contractors to be retransmitted in a digital format on UPC and other cable television systems and a number of radio services are available in a digital format via this medium, including RTÉ radio services and those of a number of local and national sound broadcasters. It should also be noted that RTÉ's national radio services and a number of RTÉ digital radio services are available on SAORVIEW and SAORSAT. While there are no plans at present to rollout DAB services on a national basis, the BAI will continue to monitor and consider the potential for the development of digital radio in Ireland. In this regard, the BAI has supported various DAB trials, has organised research and has indicated in its Work Plan for 2014 to 2016 its intention to further discuss the potential for DAB or other types of digital radio services through stakeholder meetings during the period covered by the plan.