The Government is to deliver €6M in funding for independent radio stations. The support is being provided via a fund to be known as the “Local democracy and Court Reporting Fund” and is awaiting approval from the EU. The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar responded to Deputy Michael Lowry on the matter yesterday and says the government hopes to have the Fund in operation before next June when Local and European elections are to be held.
Deputy Lowry is supporting the requests from Independent Broadcasters Ireland (IBI) the representative body for 34 Radio Stations across the country, who are seeking funding for the provision of news and current affairs coverage.
Deputy Lowry noted the government provided a €56m bailout of RTE and says local radio stations provide an essential service to communities across the country. It is unclear at this stage if community radio stations such as Tipp Mid West Radio will be included in the scheme.
