Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Dec 1990

Vol. 404 No. 1

Written Answers. - Television Reception in Tipperary.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

147 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to (a) the anger and resentment among the people of Thurles and mid-Tipperary arising from the decision of his Department to close down a company (details supplied) with the loss of multi-channel television viewing, (b) the fact that the franchise holders for the area (details supplied) are operating illegally pending the outcome of a planning application for a signal mast on Keepers Hill, and (c) that no alternative system is available to the vast majority of householders in accordance with his previous commitment; if he will allow the company to recommence broadcasting for the duration of the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Communications (Mr. Burke)

The situation in Thurles is entirely consistent with my declared position which is that illegal deflector systems would be required to close down when a legal alternative became available. The position is that a legal cable service has been available in Thurles for some months now and, but for a boycotting campaign against it which has in the main been orchestrated by one individual, multi-channel service would be available to the vast majority, if not all, who require it.

The planning permission issue is a matter between the operator concerned and the appropriate authorities and it is understood that the matter has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. If, however, the Deputy has a real concern on this question perhaps he might investigate whether the illegal deflector systems have planning permissions.

As to his proposal that the illegal rebroadcaster be permitted to commence rebroadcasting in the Thurles area, I would point out that if I was to countenance such a proposal legal action to require me to close down all rebroadcasters in the area, and not just Thurles alone, would be the inevitable consequence.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

148 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Communications if he will outline the powers available to him to enforce the conditions attached to the licence granted to a company (details supplied) to provide multi-channel television in the Thurles area of County Tipperary; if his Department have received any complaints regarding the service provided by this company in other towns; the nature of these complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Communications (Mr. Burke)

The Wireless Telegraphy (Wired Broadcast Relay Licence) Regulations, 1974, S.I. No. 67 of 1974 set out the obligations of all cable television licensees.

As the licensing authority, I have the ultimate sanction of revoking a licence. However, this, of course, is very much a last resort.

The company in question have cable systems in a number of towns. When compared with other cable operators the level of complaints about these systems is if anything less than average.

I am aware that the operator in question had particular difficulties in Cashel, but I understand that he has recently overcome most of these. A recent technical inspection by my Department showed that reception in Cashel is in general as good as any other cable system.