asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what action, if any, has been taken to improve Radio Éireann reception in West Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Reception in West Cork.
17.
South-West Cork and other coastal districts are beyond the normal first-class reception area from the Athlone transmitter, which is restricted by interference from an increasing number of broadcasting stations working in Europe. There is no immediate solution for this problem but the next conference for the allocation of wavelengths in the European area which will probably be held within the next year or so may be able to help towards a solution. The greater use of very high frequency broadcasting stations in Europe may release more medium and long waves for use with higher power than at present by administrations whose transmitters are not covering their countries satisfactorily.
While reception in the West Cork and other areas is liable to be marred by interference from other stations I would like to repeat the advice given before to listeners in these areas to make sure to have good aerials and earths and to have the sets themselves in good working order.
Is the Minister aware that repeated representations have been made from West Cork about an improvement in the reception there? Can he say if any steps have been taken to deal with the matter? I think it is wrong on the part of the Minister's Department to accept money for licences from radio owners as they do not get even reasonable reception.
I am aware of the interference which they have to put up with in that area, but there is nothing we can do about it, pending the outcome of the conference to be held next year.
Am I to take it that there is little or no likelihood of any active efforts being made?
I am afraid so.
The Minister is honest about it.
On the same subject 18 months ago, I was given to understand that sums of money were available for a booster station to be established in a central part of West Cork. Has the Minister considered that course?
Give them back the money.
No money has been provided.
The licence money.