News

Fears All-Ireland final clash could be last to be broadcast on RTÉ longwave radio

A group campaigning to save RTÉ longwave radio said today's All-Ireland football final could be the last to be broadcast on the service
A group campaigning to save RTÉ longwave radio said today's All-Ireland football final could be the last to be broadcast on the service A group campaigning to save RTÉ longwave radio said today's All-Ireland football final could be the last to be broadcast on the service

THERE are fears that today's All-Ireland football final could be the last to be broadcast on the RTÉ longwave radio service.

The replay of the clash between Mayo and Dublin at Croke Park will be available for radio listeners to tune into on RTÉ longwave 252.

However, the 'Save RTÉ Longwave Radio' campaign said it could be the "last All-Ireland final we will hear on this service".

In 2014, RTÉ announced plans to close its longwave service in favour of its FM, online, mobile and digital services.

But the plan caused an outcry among the Irish living abroad, who have relied on an RTÉ radio link since the 1930s.

Campaigners want the service to be retained and say it is well used, particularly among the elderly. Thousands signed petitions protesting at the move, with many saying the service was a "lifeline" to them.

Following vocal opposition in Northern Ireland and Britain, RTÉ postponed the shutdown date until 2017.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in the Republic also recently carried out research into the needs of listeners.

The research recently revealed that 92 per cent of those surveyed said they listened every day or most days. It also found 45 per cent of more than 3,000 people surveyed were aged over 70 with a third of them living alone.

The campaign spokesman claimed RTE was planning to cut off the LW service next May.

"It's essential this service be retained, for both Ireland's interest and the benefit of the Irish diaspora. The longwave service is of vital importance for the Irish in Britain. It's impossible to think of a more cost-effective way to keep older Irish emigrants in touch with their home country."

A spokeswoman for RTÉ last night said: "The service is currently under review and a date has yet to be decided".