Last update: 19.02.2025
- older versions
In February 2025, it was reported that regulator Comreg has commissioned FáilteDAB to carry out a new high-powered DAB+ trial in Dublin and surrounding areas for 12 months. The experiment, starting in April, will be operated by Foothold Communications, which owns and operates transmission towers around Ireland and currently has over 1000 radio link and broadcast systems under management. FáilteDAB says only Irish Coimisiún na Meán licensed radio operators will be allowed to participate in the trial.
Local industry news portal Radio Today reported that "Wireless Ireland is planning on launching “a suite of new digital radio services” on DAB+ this year. The new stations are set to launch in the spring, with more details announced in coming weeks. Bauer Media Audio Ireland has also confirmed it will operate services on the DAB+ trial with full details to follow."
Until 31 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.
UK-based small-scale DAB solution specialists Viamux ran a small scale DAB+ trial, in Cork, until August 2019.
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: 07.11.2024
- older versions
UK-based small-scale DAB solution specialists Viamux ran a small scale DAB+ trial, in Cork, until August 2019.
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.
Onic to Release Exciting New DAB+/Digital Station Advertising Packages
17.04.2025
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Ireland 
Onic is set to launch exciting new DAB+/digital stations, offering enhanced sound quality and choice. New advertising opportunities will offer commercial spot packages and innovative sponsorship opportunities for brands. Onic are partnering with FailteDAB for the next step in the evolution of radio in Ireland, adding reach for broadcasters and choice for listeners to the already provided by FM broadcasting. The one year trial will be focused on the Leinster area. Onic will launch eleven stations, providing an array of entertainment from Hits to Movies and RnB to 80s. It opens up a wider choice for our listeners but also amazing opportunities across commercial spots and sponsorship for agencies and clients.
(Onic) Read more
Factum Radioscape Supports FáilteDAB Trial in Ireland with OBSERVA Field Monitor Kits
16.04.2025
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Factum Radioscape
WorldDAB Member
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Ireland
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United Kingdom 
Factum Radioscape a leader in DAB radio technologies, is proud to announce its support for the FáilteDAB trial in Ireland by providing three OBSERVA Field Monitors for DAB signal decoding and analysis. The compact RF measuring devices will be used by the shareholders to assess and validate the coverage of their services using inbuilt GPS functionality to provide mobile drive surveys across the transmission area. The FáilteDAB trial, set to commence broadcasting imminently, is licensed by COMREG to the engineering company Foothold Communications. The trial aims to deliver a diverse range of content to listeners beyond that already provided by FM broadcasting, with potential expansion beyond the Leinster area during the license period.
(Factum Radioscape) Read more
Coimisiún na Meán announces support for DAB+ trial at Radiodays Ireland event
28.03.2025
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Ireland
Ireland's media regulator - Coimisiún na Meán - has announced its support for a new DAB trial set to begin in April of this year. Coimisiún na Meán’s Commissioner, Aoife MacEvilly said: “By supporting this innovative new DAB+ trial and facilitating the broadcast of new digital services for Irish audiences, Coimisiún na Meán continues to demonstrate our strong commitment to pluralism and diversity on Irish radio.” The DAB trial will facilitate a simulcast of existing radio services while also allowing a variety of new services such as niche and era-specific music services and new speech programming covering various genres such as social affairs, sports, youth-targeted topics and children’s entertainment.
(radiotoday.ie) Read more
Coimisiún na Meán supports new DAB radio trial
27.03.2025
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Ireland
Coimisiún na Meán is announcing its support for a new DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) trial, set to begin in April of this year. The trial will operate for one year and is part of Coimisiún na Meán’s commitment to a modern, diverse and sustainable media landscape for Ireland. Speaking at the Radio Days Conference in Dublin today, Coimisiún na Meán’s Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner, Aoife MacEvilly said: “By supporting this innovative new DAB+ trial and facilitating the broadcast of new digital services for Irish audiences, Coimisiún na Meán continues to demonstrate our strong commitment to pluralism and diversity on Irish radio.” The new trial will be operated by FáilteDAB who were issued a trial licence by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
(Coimisiún na Meán) Read more
Wireless Ireland becomes Onic, confirms launch of 10 new services on DAB+ trial
26.03.2025
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Ireland
Ireland’s newest media brand, Onic, has launched with a commitment to re-shaping the future of the audio and digital landscape in Ireland. Onic, formerly Wireless Ireland, is home to some of Ireland’s best-loved radio stations. In a significant move, Onic also confirmed the launch of 10 new services on the much anticipated DAB+ trial across the broader Leinster area, a suite of new digital streams, an expansion of talkSPORT Ireland and newly refreshed websites. Highlights that underpin today’s announcement include a suite of DAB+ and digital services delivering expanded consumer choice, and complementary audiences to our existing brands. These will target audiences in niche formats including Rock, Kids, Country and RnB amongst others.
(Onic, formerly Wireless Ireland) Read more
Nova Xtra on DAB radio
25.03.2025
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Ireland
Radio Nova Xtra will be a new radio channel broadcast by Radio Nova on DAB+. Nova Xtra will bring all the best from Radio Nova - The Home of Seriously Addictive Music in Ireland. Nova Extra is a specialist, rock radio service, designed as a supplement to Radio Nova. Radio Nova is owned by Bay Broadcasting, an Irish-owned radio group that also owns Classic Hits Radio. In 2025, the Broadcasting Services Strategy will be implemented by Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland's regulator for broadcasting and media. This strategy will lay the groundwork for radio licensing over the following five years.
(Radio Nova) Read more
DAB+ to be tested in Ireland this spring
06.03.2025
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Paneda
WorldDAB Member
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GatesAir
WorldDAB Member
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Ireland
A higher-powered version of the DAB+ broadcast platform is set for a trial in Ireland this spring. FáilteDAB is the name being given to the test that will begin broadcasting in April to eastern portions of Ireland, according to the platform’s website. It will operate under a one-year ComReg DAB+ trial license. The test aims “to provide Irish radio operators and listeners an experience of DAB+ not previously experienced in Ireland,” according to the website. FáilteDAB said it welcomes all Irish Coimisiún na Meán licensed radio operators to participate in the test. Dublin-based Foothold Communications is the operator of FáilteDAB. The company said it has worked with GatesAir and Paneda to supply technology for the network.
(Radio World) Read more
New Irish digital radio stations with ‘existing & new content offerings’ set to be launched in coming weeks
19.02.2025
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Ireland
A SERIES of new digital radio stations have been announced by Wireless Ireland. The company said the new stations would be hosted on a new DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) platform, partnering with FailteDAB. The broadcaster said it will "work closely with Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s media regulator, to secure the necessary content licences to ensure compliance with broadcasting standards and regulations". It added: "The new radio services will offer a diverse range of content, catering to a wide range of interests and tastes." The new stations are set to launch in the spring, with more details announced in coming weeks. Sean Barry, Managing Director of Wireless Ireland, said: “Wireless Ireland is proud to lead the charge in Ireland’s transition to digital broadcasting.”
(The Irish Sun) Read more
Wireless Ireland confirms plans to fully embrace DAB+ trial with new services
17.02.2025
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Ireland
Wireless Ireland is planning on launching “a suite of new digital radio services” on DAB+ this year. The move comes as RadioToday breaks the news that a new DAB+ trial will operate for 12 months from April by FáilteDAB. The new stations are set to launch in the spring, with more details announced in coming weeks. Sean Barry, Managing Director of Wireless Ireland, said: “Wireless Ireland is proud to lead the charge in Ireland’s transition to digital broadcasting. The new FáilteDAB platform will offer listeners a broader and more immersive experience, with a blend of existing and new content offerings, creating diversity of choice for listeners across a large coverage area. Wireless Ireland’s commitment will see us become the largest content provider on this new and exciting platform.”
(Radio Today Ireland) Read more
Plans underway to bring back high powered DAB+ multiplexes to Ireland
17.02.2025
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Ireland
Comreg has commissioned FáilteDAB to carry out a new high-powered DAB+ trial in Dublin and surrounding areas for 12 months. The experiment, starting in April, will be operated by Foothold Communications, which owns and operates transmission towers around Ireland and currently has over 1000 radio link and broadcast systems under management. FáilteDAB says only Irish Coimisiún na Meán licensed radio operators will be allowed to participate in the trial. A 20kW transmitter in Three Rock will cover Dublin, along with a number of 8kW and 10kW sites, giving coverage along the coast from Belfast to Rosslare, and inland to reach Kilkenny, but stopping short of reaching Limerick, Cork and Galway.
(Radio Today Ireland) Read more
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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
