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.
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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Top story
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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
Calls in Ireland to issue more digital radio licences to broaden listener choice
11.09.2023
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
