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Ireland

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.

Ireland Q1 Report

02.05.2012 - Ireland

January 2012 started with confirmation from ComReg of our trial licence for DAB transmissions. The licence covers transmitters located at Irelands four main cities; Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. The three key areas on which we shall be reporting back to Comreg and the BAI are; transmission, data and content

(http://www.dbdb.ie/q1-report/) Read more

RTE Exec Predicts FM, DAB, Internet Platforms will Converge

02.04.2012 - Ireland

Apr 2, 2012 - An interesting article has appeared in the Irish Times, mainly about the growing popularity of podcasting throughout the UK However, there are comments about DAB in Ireland towards the end.

(Radio magazine (press release)) Read more

Date set for NI digital switchover

14.10.2011 - Ireland

Northern Ireland will be one of the biggest winners from the switchover process, with free-to-air digital TV and radio coverage boosted from 66% to 98% of households. Digital services are also available via broadband, cable and satellite. ...

(U.TV) Read more

Radio Nova celebrates 5% reach in first year

02.09.2011 - Ireland

Its backers are now planning to launch 10 digital radio stations to spread its rock gospel. They will play wall-to-wall rock music of various genres 24 hours a day and, says chief executive Kevin Branigan, will cost less than €100000 to put on air. ...

(Irish Times) Read more

Consumer Electronics on the Rise in Ireland

15.02.2010 - Ireland

DAB is steadily increasing its share; with 14% of audio home systems sold in 2009 including this feature, an increase of 3.3% on 2008. Total DAB has seen ...

(GfK Retail and Technology) Read more

Digital boom for RTE

01.12.2009 - Ireland

RTE Radio is expanding its digital radio network and will make its four nationwide FM services and an additional seven exclusive ...

(Herald.ie) Read more

RTÉ expands its digital radio network to...

30.11.2009 - Ireland

Digital radio via the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) standard has been available to listeners in the Greater Dublin area, Cork and Limerick city since ...

(Siliconrepublic.com) Read more

Coherent Strategy Needed for Digital Radio

29.09.2009 - Ireland

Entitled "Digital Radio for Ireland: Competing Options, Public Expectation", it was carried out by Athena Media and the Dublin Institute of Technology and ...

(AdWorld) Read more

RTE radio launches stations on digital platform

16.04.2009 - Ireland

The four stations are already available online and can be heard on special digital (DAB) radios in the Greater Dublin area, the North East Coast and Cork and Limerick cities, where rte's DAB trials continue. Meanwhile, commercial broadcasters are ...

(Irish Independent, Ireland) Read more