Vol. 492 No. 6
140 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress, if any, made to improve the RTE reception to audiences in Northern Ireland; the required works to the RTE transmitter at Clearmont Carn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14680/98]
141 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the estimated population of Northern Ireland that can avail of RTE broadcasts; the likely increase of viewers if the coverage is extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14681/98]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 140 agus Uimh. 141 le chéile.
I refer the Deputy to my replies to previous questions on this matter, in particular my replies on 27 November 1997 and 7 May 1998.
RTÉ informs me it estimates that approximately 30 per cent of the population in the North of Ireland can receive RTÉ television services, including Teilifís na Gaeilge, at present. RTÉ also estimates that higher power transmissions from the Clermont Carn transmitter will result in an increase in coverage to between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of the population of Northern Ireland. As RTÉ does not operate within the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland, it is difficult to be more precise regarding the extent of coverage in Northern Ireland from television signals emanating from transmitter sites situated within this jurisdiction.
The required works at Clermont Carn include the installation of a new antenna and a programme of test transmissions. As I stated on 7 May it is hoped that the results of these tests can pave the way to finalisation of the process.
