Ó Cuív calls for Saorview solution

Ó Cuív calls for Saorview solution


“Everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to all Irish terrestrial television stations.” This is what Fianna FΡil Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív said as he called on the Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte to address problems with accessing digital television service Saorview, in rural areas.

Ó Cuív described it as ‘unacceptable’ that two per cent of the country, mostly including areas along the west coast could still not receive Saorview. The Galway West Deputy said that since the analogue service was switched off last October, some areas in the west cannot access the service.
no access
“These areas are dependent on Saorstat, which provides an alternative service but does not carry TV3 or 3e. It means that the people living in these areas do not have access to TV3 or 3e and the programmes they carry, including Tonight with Vincent Browne and many sporting events that are exclusively broadcast on these channels.”
Ó Cuív is now calling on Minister Pat Rabbitte to intervene, stating that Mr Rabitte’s lack of interest has added to his concerns about the government’s ‘disregard for rural communities’.