James Leonard
Ceist:83 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will request RTÉ to improve its signal in the Monaghan/North Monaghan area by the provision of a transmitter. [18826/95]
Written Answers. - Television Reception.
The issue raised by the Deputy is the day-to-day responsibility of the RTÉ Authority and I have no statutory function in the matter.
In accordance with long-standing custom, I am prepared to furnish to the House information supplied by RTÉ in response to questions relating specifically to improvements in reception of the national broadcasting services. In this regard RTÉ have advised that it is aware that television coverage in Monaghan Town and North Monaghan is variable and that good quality reception is difficult in certain instances. Due to the undulating nature of the terrain, many homes do not have good reception from the RTÉ transmitter at Mongorry Hill.
RTÉ report that in the course of planned work at Mongorry Hill during 1996 the power emitted by the transmitter will be increased. This will result in a partial improvement in reception.
As a further improvement measure RTÉ propose to establish a new transmitter station for North Monaghan. At present possible sites are being asssessed. RTÉ hopes that, subject to the necessary international co-ordination, licence and planning permission, the new station for North Monaghan will be on-air during 1997.