Westport Community Radio ready to launch

Minister Michael Ring gives the thumbs up at the launch of West Coast FM on James Street in Westport. Pictured with him are directors Stephen O’Brien, Judy Parker and Karen O’ Reilly. Pic: Frank Dolan.

Minister spins new radio station to life in Westport


Deirdre Gavin

WESTPORT’S new radio station, West Coast FM, was launched this week by Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring. The Community Radio Station has been established with no funding and will be run completely by volunteers.
The driving force behind the station’s establishment, Stephen O’Brien, explained that the station was in essence ‘a community project’.
“It just so happens to be a radio station. It’s all inclusive and everyone is welcome; this entire station is geared towards all people. Sometimes the problem with the word community is often synonymous with amateur but we hope this whole project will be extremely professional,” said Mr O’Brien
The station, located just off James Street, boasts two studios - one live studio and one pre-recording studio, and a production area. The station itself owes its existence to many generous donations with carpets, tables, plumbing etc all being provided by generous locals.
The station which will air online for the first year and will be online each day from 6pm to 12 midnight with three two hour shows going to air each night.
“We are going to start online initially because it is global. We will be airing as an FM station also but to begin with we have a restricted license. We will actually have more days as an internet station rather than a FM station.”
One of the programmes the station will air will be for local aspiring bands, helping them to get international air time.
“We hope to give the Westport youth a step up the ladder. As well as this, it’s hoped the station will be a fantastic resource for all the Irish diaspora, for all those who have emigrated. It will be a good way for them to give messages to those at home and vice versa,” added Stephen.
Speaking on the launch of the station, Minister Michael Ring said a community radio station was very much suited to a town like Westport.
“We are a tourist town so this  is a great opportunity to sell a really strong message about Mayo and particularly about Westport, I think it’s great that local people will be able to do local programmes.
“It’s not going to be in competition with anyone else, it’s going to be a community radio run by the community for the community. They have asked me today if I will do a show and I would love to -  not a political show, I’d love to do a music show for one hour and I will do that. People will be surprised with my choice of music - I won’t tell you any of the songs I am going to play,” said Minister Ring.

The station has nine directors - Stephen O’Brien, Cllr Keith Martin, Karen O’Reilly, Judy Parker, Julie Gavin, Cllr Tereasa Maguire, Michael Kelly and John Tiernan. Broadcasting will begin on the internet on Saturday, June 4 at 6pm.