asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that the television reception in the Bonane area near Kenmare on the Cork-Kerry border is very poor; and the present position regarding the erection of a television booster station in this area.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork-Kerry Television Reception.
143.
The improvement of television reception is primarily a matter for Radio Telefís Éireann. I understand that the area referred to by the Deputy is one of a number in which the quality of reception is below the normal standard. It was included as part of a survey which RTE recently made of such areas. I understand from the authority that their plans for the improvement of reception in places where it is not at present satisfactory are based on giving priority to areas of greatest population. For this reason it is not possible to say when reception will be improved in the Bonane area where the cost of improvement would be out of proportion to the number of people that could benefit from it.
144.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is proposed to give the promised improvement to television reception in Fermoy town and district, County Cork.
The improvement of television reception is primarily a matter for Radio Telefís Éireann. I am not aware that any specific promise of improvement was given in respect of the Fermoy area. The information supplied to the Deputy in reply to previous questions was that unfortunately parts of Fermoy were among the small pockets of poor reception remaining, and that it was not possible to say when reception there would be improved, as technical and financial considerations as well as the number of viewers affected, must influence the authority in determining the order in which the areas of unsatisfactory reception should be attended to. I am advised by the authority that this is still the position and that its immediate development plans do not include Fermoy.