RTÉ have announced an expansion of their DAB transmission network which will see DAB coverage reaching over half of the Irish population.

Currently RTÉ’s DAB transmission network includes sites in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Clermon Carn Co.Louth serving many of Irelands main cities.

Now a new transmitter located on the Kippure transmission site will bring DAB to many of the midland counties including Kildare, Laois, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath. Broadcasting will commence before Christmas.

A map of the new broadcast area is available here and the accompanying RTÉ press release is below;

RTÉ Radio is expanding its digital radio network. This will make its four nationwide FM services and an additional seven digital-exclusive radio services available to over half of the population in nine counties via the digital platform.

By Christmas, listeners in counties Kildare, Laois, Louth, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath will be able to enjoy DAB digital radio. The announcement comes as RTÉ celebrates the first anniversary of its launch of digital radio on December 1st 2008.

By re-using equipment used in previous digital trials, RTÉ has been able to deliver this expansion without incurring any capital costs.

RTÉ Radio Director of Operations JP Coakley says: “I’m delighted that digital radio is now available to over half the population, meaning more people can experience the benefits of digital radio. With this latest expansion of the network, RTÉ Radio is contributing to the development of Ireland’s digital infrastructure and bringing a new free-to-air method of radio listening to audiences in a very cost-efficient manner.”

DAB digital radio has been available to listeners in the greater Dublin area, Cork and Limerick city since last year’s launch, which followed a twenty-month period of extensive trials. This latest expansion is the second phase in RTÉ Radio’s digital radio network rollout with 52% of the population now able to access the service.

RTÉ intends to roll out digital radio to 56% of the population over the coming two years. However any further roll out will require a regulatory framework that will allow commercial broadcasters to move to digital radio. This is to ensure that the whole industry moves together for the benefit of the listener. The BCI commissioned a report on digital radio in Ireland and published the findings in September this year. The report makes a series of recommendations including the establishment of a digital radio forum and the development of a policy white paper.

Related Posts

1. Denmark Drop FM
2. Sweden+
3. Digital Britain