Vol. 392 No. 1
asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to the large number of complaints which have been registered over a widespread area on a daily basis in respect of the interference to telephones and other electronic equipment which is being caused directly by the radio signals being transmitted by Radio Tara; the action Telecom Éireann proposes to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
217.
asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Telecom Éireann are obliged to devote a considerable amount of time and resources to correct, readjust and otherwise maintain the telephone system in the vicinity of the Radio Tara transmission station because of the daily interference which has been generated by the transmission of airwaves from that station; the way in which the cost of this continuous maintenance and repair crew will be covered; who will be responsible for payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The long wave frequency assignment used by Atlantic 252, formerly known as Radio Tara, is licensed to RTE under the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960. Under the provisions of the licence RTE is required to ensure that its transmissions do not cause interference to Telecom Éireann plant or equipment or other licensed apparatus and to the extent that interference is caused to bear the costs of eliminating it.
I am aware that complaints of interference have been made by telephone subscribers but I understand that there is close co-operation between RTE and Telecom Eireann in eliminating any interference problems that arise. The action to be taken to resolve any problems is a matter for Telecom Éireann.
216.
asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Electricity Supply Board personnel in the vicinity of the Radio Tara transmitter have found it necessary to earth both solid fuel and gas cookers in the adjoining area; if he has been informed by the ESB of the action which they have taken; the reason this has been found to be necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have no statutory responsibility in relation to the Electricity Supply Board and am not aware of what work the board may be carrying out in the area adjoining the Radio Tara (Atlantic 252) transmitter.
