Shelving of plans to switch off RTÉ longwave service welcomed

MAYO Fine Gael Mayo Senator, John O’Mahony, has described RTÉ’s decision to shelve plans to cut its longwave service as very welcome.

He elaborated: 'The State broadcaster had originally intended to switch off the Longwave 252 service in October 2014, but after intensive lobbying from myself and others the switch off date was put back until 2017.

“RTÉ produces high quality news and drama and, through its longwave service, provides a real connection to Ireland for those Irish people living abroad, in particular the thousands of Irish people in the UK who really value having this connection to home.

“I have long argued that the longwave service is a crucial lifeline for emigrants, who currently listen to RTÉ programmes every day, but could not access digital broadcasts.

“Now I’m delighted to see that RTÉ has confirmed that a review is underway into the future of the longwave service and that no timeline has been set for its potential shutdown.

 “Fine Gael is very focused on the diaspora and improving our connections with the Irish abroad. I felt that the plans to close the longwave service would have done a grave disservice to the diaspora and needed a rethink.

'I am very glad that sense has now prevailed and this service will continue to benefit thousands of Irish people living abroad and be a crucial part of RTÉ’s public service remit.”