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Ireland

Last update: 24.04.2025 - older versions

Ireland's spectrum regulator Comreg has commissioned FáilteDAB to carry out a new high-powered DAB+ trial in Dublin and surrounding areas for 12 months. The test which launched in April 2025, is operated by Foothold Communications, which owns and operates transmission towers around Ireland and currently has over 1000 radio link and broadcast systems under management. The trial has also been supported by content regulator Coimisiún na Meán.

On 24 April 2025, industry news portal Radio Today reported that "twenty radio services are now available on DAB+ in Ireland following the launch of FáilteDAB. The latest DAB+ trial across the broader Leinster area includes ten services by Onic, along with services such as Nova Xtra, Classic Hits 80s and 8Radio. There are 19 music stations and one speech service, with Newstalk simulcasting its service on the digital platform. It can be heard in Dublin, Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Wexford."

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: 25.04.2025 - older versions

Coverage of the Failte DAB trial launched on 24 March 2025 can be viewed at https://failtedab.ie/#coverage.

Before being switched off, RTÉ’s ‘national’ multiplex reached all the major population centres and a total 52% of the population.

Last update: 25.04.2025 - older versions

Details of the services on air on the Failte DAB trial lunched on 24 April 2025 are listed at https://failtedab.ie/#services

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: 25.04.2025 - older versions

Twenty radio services went on air on DAB+ on 24 March 2025 with the launch of FáilteDAB. The DAB+ trial across the broader Leinster area includes ten services by Onic, along with services such as Nova Xtra, Classic Hits 80s and 8Radio.

There are 19 music stations and one speech service, with Newstalk simulcasting its service on the digital platform. It can be heard in Dublin, Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Wexford.

Onic, the new name for News and urbanmedia, launched 10 music services.

UK-based small-scale DAB solution specialists Viamux ran a small scale DAB+ trial, in Cork, until August 2019.

Last update: 25.04.2025 - older versions

Ireland's media regulator - Coimisiún na Meán - announced on 27.03.2025 that it supports the new DAB+trial launched on 24 April 2025. The trial will expand the diversity of services available for Irish audiences and test DAB+ technology, providing an opportunity to explore its potential benefits for broadcasters and listeners.

The trial will operate for one year and is part of Coimisiún na Meán’s commitment to a modern, diverse and sustainable media landscape for Ireland.

Speaking at the Radio Days Conference in Dublin today, Coimisiún na Meán’s Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner, Aoife MacEvilly said: “By supporting this innovative new DAB+ trial and facilitating the broadcast of new digital services for Irish audiences, Coimisiún na Meán continues to demonstrate our strong commitment to pluralism and diversity on Irish radio.”

An Coimisiún has approved content provision contracts for this trial, ensuring the availability of a diverse and varied mix of voices, opinions, and sources of news and current affairs, as well as music programming. This trial will broaden listener choice, encourage creativity and innovation and boost the growth and sustainability of the broadcasting sector. It will also support increased representation and inclusivity, as well as foster a more dynamic and diverse media ecosystem.

Coimisiún na Meán is working with the service providers to facilitate the new services through the awarding of content provision contracts. The DAB+ trial facilitates a simulcast of existing radio services while also allowing a variety of new services such as niche and era-specific music services and new speech programming covering various genres such as social affairs, sports, youth-targeted topics and children’s entertainment.

The new trial is operated by FáilteDAB who were issued a trial licence by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

Source: https://www.cnam.ie/coimisiun-na-mean-supports-new-dab-radio-trial/

Earlier information:

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.

Driving the future of Irish radio: independent broadcasters unite to champion DAB+ across Ireland

10.07.2025 - Ireland

A new voice for Irish radio has emerged with the launch of Digital Radio Alliance Ireland (DRAI) at DigitalRadio.ie, an independent initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of DAB+ digital radio throughout Ireland. Backed by a coalition of innovative broadcasters, this movement is focused not on infrastructure but on listener empowerment, broadcaster opportunity, and advertiser engagement. From Rewind and Freedom FM to 8Radio and a suite of other stations, participating broadcasters are embracing the promise of digital radio: better sound quality, easier tuning, and a broader choice of stations. Their shared goal? To help Irish listeners discover and enjoy the future of radio — now.

(Digital Radio Alliance Ireland (DRAI)) Read more

Paneda proudly supports FáilteDAB Trial in Ireland

25.06.2025 - Paneda WorldDAB Member - Sweden - Ireland

Paneda is proud to support the FáilteDAB trial in Ireland by providing a complete DAB head-end system. This advanced platform enables testing of a wide range of DAB features, including sophisticated metadata capabilities. Designed for multi-multiplexer environments, the system also incorporates redundancy through Paneda’s unique SMART switching technology. The FáilteDAB trial, which started in May, is licensed by ComReg to Foothold Communications. The trial aims to offer a broader and more diverse range of content than what is currently available via FM broadcasting, with the potential for expansion during the licence period. Foothold Communications owns and operates transmission towers across Ireland and currently manages over 1,000 radio link and broadcast systems.

(Paneda) Read more

Greatest Hits Radio Ireland launches on DAB+

17.06.2025 - Ireland

Bauer has launched a new version of its UK brand in Ireland with the unannounced arrival of Greatest Hits Radio Ireland. The station has started broadcasting on the FáilteDAB multiplex, playing classic hits and featuring a line-up of presenters including Debbie Allen and Liam Quigley. There is currently no reference to the station on Bauer Media Audio Ireland’s official website or social media platforms, and no public launch has been confirmed. Despite using the same name and sung jingle package as the UK version of Greatest Hits Radio, the Irish service is airing separate programming. There are no shared shows with GHR UK, including its most well-known presenter Ken Bruce.

(Radio Today Ireland) Read more

Onic Pride Vibes - the Voice of Pride returns for 2025

11.06.2025 - Ireland

Onic Pride Vibes is live on DAB+ and online for the 2025 Pride Season. The station, which launched for Pride in 2022, and has won numerous industry awards for its content, returns bigger and better for year four, with a lineup of presenters that includes Sean Munsanje, Shivani Dave, Vicki Blight, Stephen Byrne and new talent including Brandon Caufield and Max Kane. The role of Pride Vibes is to SHINE a light on Irish life by celebrating the successes of the LGBTQ+ community and start conversations around the issues that matter. Brian McCarthy, Group Commercial and Operations Director for Onic said, “We’re delighted to be back for Year 4 of Pride Vibes and excited to expand our broadcast offering to the recently launched DAB+ network across Leinster.”

(Onic) Read more

DAB+ in Ireland – An opportunity to seize through bold content and exemplary collaboration

29.05.2025 - Ireland

A RadioToday opinion piece by Olivier Mauxion at Eirewave on the latest DAB developments. “With experience in DAB+ initiatives across Switzerland, France and the UK, I’ve seen both pitfalls and successes – and one thing is certain: content is king. As Ireland launches its new trial with the FáilteDAB multiplex in Dublin, there’s a rare opportunity to reintroduce DAB+ under favourable conditions – and to learn from others’ journeys. The trial’s launch on 24 March 2025, bringing 26 stations to Dublin and parts of Leinster, is a positive sign. The mix of well-known FM brands and more niche outlets sets a good tone. It’s also an invitation to think beyond the basics – to imagine what DAB+ could become here.”

(Radio Today Ireland) Read more

Nova Classic Rock launches on DAB+ across Leinster region

22.05.2025 - Ireland

Nova Classic Rock has joined the DAB+ digital radio line-up in Ireland, offering a 24-hour stream of classic rock music across Dublin and Leinster. The station, which replaces Nova Xtra, is now available on the Fáilte DAB multiplex on a 12-month trial basis. Radio Nova CEO Kevin Branigan described the new service as “an experiment” and a niche extension of the main Nova output, created for fans of classic rock. He said: “It’s the perfect channel for the Fáilte DAB trial.” DAB+ continues to be tested in Ireland as part of ongoing digital broadcasting trials. Nova was one of the original participants in the Fáilte DAB project and has maintained a presence as the platform develops.

(Radio Today Ireland) Read more

Dundalk goes back to the 90s and noughties with the launch of Freedom FM

06.05.2025 - Ireland

Freedom FM, the online radio station dedicated to the music of the 90s and noughties, said it is thrilled to announce its launch on the DAB+ digital radio platform. Now, with its transition to DAB+, Freedom FM is set to reach Dundalk for the first time. “We’re delighted to be bringing our entertaining mix of music from the 90s and noughties to more places via the DAB+ digital radio network,” said Sean Power, Station Manager of Freedom FM. Freedom FM recently secured a content licence from the broadcast regulator Coimisiún na Meán which allowed it join the new DAB+ digital radio platform, as part of a trail service operated by Fáilte DAB and licensed by the communications regulator COMREG.

(Louth Live) Read more

UlsterMUX applies to bring small-scale DAB to Enniskillen

30.04.2025 - United Kingdom - Ireland

UlsterMUX Ltd has submitted an application to Ofcom to operate a new small-scale DAB multiplex for Enniskillen. The not-for-profit operator wants to build on the launch of its Newry multiplex in 2024 and plans to deliver DAB+ coverage to over 28,000 residents. UlsterMUX is led by a team of engineers, broadcasters, and community radio advocates. It has already secured heads of terms with over a dozen stations, including Panjab Radio, Eirewave, Energy 106, Wild Country, and Blast-branded services. It’s also in discussions with regional broadcasters from the Republic of Ireland, such as Radio Nova and Northern Sound Radio, in anticipation of future changes to allow lawful cross-border carriage.

(Radio Today UK) Read more

New services available as FáilteDAB launches in Ireland

24.04.2025 - Ireland

Twenty radio services are now available on DAB+ in Ireland following the launch of FáilteDAB. The latest DAB+ trial across the broader Leinster area includes ten services by Onic, along with services such as Nova Xtra, Classic Hits 80s and 8Radio. There are 19 music stations and one speech service, with Newstalk simulcasting its service on the digital platform. It can be heard in Dublin, Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Wexford. Onic, the new name for News and urbanmedia, has launched 10 music services but has no plans to launch its new talkSPORT Ireland service on DAB+. Radio Nova’s new sister station Nova Xtra will focus on chilled classic rock, playing the more melodic end of the popular guitar-based music featured on Radio Nova and bringing additional content as a supplement to the Radio Nova.

(Radio Today Ireland) Read more

Onic to Release Exciting New DAB+/Digital Station Advertising Packages

17.04.2025 - Ireland

Onic is set to launch exciting new DAB+/digital stations, offering enhanced sound quality and choice. New advertising opportunities will offer commercial spot packages and innovative sponsorship opportunities for brands. Onic are partnering with FailteDAB for the next step in the evolution of radio in Ireland, adding reach for broadcasters and choice for listeners to the already provided by FM broadcasting. The one year trial will be focused on the Leinster area. Onic will launch eleven stations, providing an array of entertainment from Hits to Movies and RnB to 80s. It opens up a wider choice for our listeners but also amazing opportunities across commercial spots and sponsorship for agencies and clients.

(Onic) Read more

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Economic and environmental savings drive Long Wave switch-off

30.05.2023

This week’s news from the United Kingdom that the BBC will stop scheduling separate content for Radio 4 Long Wave follows several other high power Long Wave (LW) broadcasts ceasing. The high cost of analogue transmission, coupled with a reported difficulty in finding replacement parts for older obsolete equipment, is driving these decisions.

Read more