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Ireland

Last update: 06.11.2022 - older versions

UK-based small-scale DAB solution specialists Viamux are running a two-year small scale DAB+ trial in Dublin carrying Ireland's 45 national and commercial radio stations. For more information visit the viamux.com/ireland. 

Until March 2021, national public broadcaster RTÉ operated a full-service Multiplex across a five transmitter network covering 52% of the population in the main cities.

On 31 March 2021, RTÉ switched off its DAB transmissions for three main factors – the fact that DAB was the least utilised platform in Ireland; that RTÉ is the only Irish broadcaster on the DAB system, and cost avoidance.

Last update: 01.04.2021 - older versions

 Before being switched off, RTÉ’s ‘national’ multiplex reached all the major population centres and a total 52% of the population.

 

Last update: 01.04.2021 - older versions

The EECC requires new passenger cars sold across the EU to include digital terrestrial capabilities as standard.

Last update: 01.04.2021 - older versions

With close proximity to the UK market, DAB receivers are readily available in most electrical retailers.

Last update: 06.11.2022 - older versions

UK-based small-scale DAB solution specialists Viamux are running a two-year small scale DAB+ trial in Dublin carrying Ireland's 45 national and commercial radio stations. For more information visit the viamux.com/ireland. 

Last update: 06.07.2017 - older versions

The Broadcasting Act 2009 makes provision for the licensing of sound broadcasting multiplexes to RTÉ and the commercial sector.

Under RCC-06 Ireland has been allotted two frequencies for national DAB multiplexes, 12A and 12C, with other allocations for regional/local multiplexes. The RTE Multiplex is operating on Block 12C (227.360 MHz).

The Broadcasting Act also makes provision for existing commercial broadcasters in multiplex broadcasting areas to migrate to DAB, which includes an extension to their licence of up to six years. However, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has not yet addressed the issue of establishing a regulatory framework.

Calls in Ireland to issue more digital radio licences to broaden listener choice
11.09.2023 - Ireland Ireland
The largely volunteer-run alternative music station 8Radio has called on the newly minted Coimisiún na Meán to issue more digital radio licences in order to give music fans greater choices or more platforms. Its latest incarnation was brought to the virtual airwaves by ex-Phantom FM manager and presenter Simon Maher in 2013 and while it is allowed access to the FM airwaves for 30 days each year, he has called for more “niche licences” to be issued, encouraging the new media commission “to license localised DAB radio multiplexes immediately, allowing niche Irish broadcasters access to a low-cost broadcast platform.”

(Irish Times) Read more

8Radio calls for DAB in Ireland as it celebrates 10th birthday
08.09.2023 - Ireland Ireland
8Radio.com is asking the new media commission to license localised DAB radio multiplexes allowing niche Irish broadcasters access to a low-cost broadcast platform. The station’s management group includes ex-Phantom FM Manager and Presenter Simon Maher, who said: “8Radio.com is taking a proactive step by encouraging the new Media Commission to license localised DAB radio multiplexes immediately, allowing niche Irish broadcasters access to a low-cost broadcast platform. With the rise of digital media, 8Radio.com is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.”

(Radio Today Ireland) Read more

RTÉ Radio 1 long wave 252 service to end next month
31.03.2023 - Ireland Ireland
RTÉ has announced that it is ceasing the long wave 252 service for Radio 1 from next month. The move was originally announced in 2014 but was postponed because of protests from Irish organisations in Britain. RTÉ said in a statement that the LW 252 is no longer sustainable as the transmitter in Summerhill, Co Meath uses up 2.5% of the organisation's energy use. The current cost is €250,000 a year and this could rise to £400,000 next year, it says.

(RTÉ) Read more

English LGBTQ+ radio station goes on DAB in Ireland
29.09.2021 - Ireland Ireland
LGBTQ+ station Gorgeous Radio, established in Wolverhampton, England, has launched in Ireland using DAB+. The service is now part of the line-up on FreeDAB, heard in some of the major cities across the Republic. FreeDAB is currently the only service offering space on a DAB multiplex and carries a number of stations including Dublin’s ABC, Fusion Radio, Shine, Release DAB, Angel Vintage, Kream DAB, Juice and Fire Radio. The mux launched in 2019 but was raided by the Garda in 2020 when it fell silent. It has since resumed broadcasting.

(RadioToday.ie) Read more

Ipsos MRBI research shows 81% of Irish adults listen to radio everyday
15.02.2021 - Ireland Ireland
The research, Radio in a Digital World, shows that the vast majority of people still use an FM radio but there is a growing cohort-, 8% or 330,000 people- who use a digital device.

(Ad World) Read more

dB Digital launches call for tenders for national commercial multiplex
08.01.2020 - Ireland Ireland
dB Digital is calling for broadcasters looking to expand their brands through DAB+ to register their interest for a place on Ireland’s first commercial DAB+ multiplex. Interested parties should submit their applications no later than Friday 14th February 2020.

(dbdb.ie) Read more

Radio Nova wants to take over RTÉ’s national DAB frequencies
06.11.2019 - Ireland Ireland
Following the news that RTÉ is to close at least five DAB digital radio stations, and despite the fact that the public broadcaster has not announced any timescales - or if the national multiplex it runs will be closed as well, Radio Nova has expressed strong interest in taking over the frequencies.

(Radio Today) Read more

Juice Cork gets new audio imaging for DAB radio service
01.05.2019 - Ireland Ireland
Juice Cork has a new sound to promote their addition to the Éirdab DAB digital radio multiplex trial in Cork. The music and sound design are elements from Rob Wills’ Media production service ‘Audio Sweets ASX’.

(Radio Today) Read more

Una Healy to host show on UK’s first national country music radio station
12.03.2019 - Ireland Ireland - United Kingdom United Kingdom
Una Healy will have a show on the UK's first national country music radio station.

(Independent.ie) Read more

BAI commitment to DAB welcomed by trial operator in Republic of Ireland
27.11.2018 - Ireland Ireland
Éirdab, operator of the DAB trial in Cork, has welcomed the BAI’s Strategy Statement for 2017-19 to review the potential for digital audio broadcasting, which sets out an undertaking to commission an independent expert review of the future for DAB in Ireland.

(Éirdab) Read more

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    Economic and environmental savings drive Long Wave switch-off

    30.05.2023

    This week’s news from the United Kingdom that the BBC will stop scheduling separate content for Radio 4 Long Wave follows several other high power Long Wave (LW) broadcasts ceasing. The high cost of analogue transmission, coupled with a reported difficulty in finding replacement parts for older obsolete equipment, is driving these decisions.

    Read more

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Key Information

Status: trial and/or regulation
Population: 4.9 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 52%
Total Sales (cumulative): 400,000 devices
Penetration by household: Sparkline Graph 17%
Last update: 01.04.2021

Useful Links

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland
www.dbdb.ie/
www.totalbroadcast.net/
RTÉ Digital Radio