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.

Dundalk goes back to the 90s and noughties with the launch of Freedom FM
06.05.2025 - Ireland 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 United Kingdom - Ireland 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 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 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


Factum Radioscape Supports FáilteDAB Trial in Ireland with OBSERVA Field Monitor Kits
16.04.2025 - Factum Radioscape WorldDAB Member - Ireland Ireland - United Kingdom United Kingdom
Factum Radioscape a leader in DAB radio technologies, is proud to announce its support for the FáilteDAB trial in Ireland by providing three OBSERVA Field Monitors for DAB signal decoding and analysis. The compact RF measuring devices will be used by the shareholders to assess and validate the coverage of their services using inbuilt GPS functionality to provide mobile drive surveys across the transmission area. The FáilteDAB trial, set to commence broadcasting imminently, is licensed by COMREG to the engineering company Foothold Communications. The trial aims to deliver a diverse range of content to listeners beyond that already provided by FM broadcasting, with potential expansion beyond the Leinster area during the license period.

(Factum Radioscape) Read more


Coimisiún na Meán announces support for DAB+ trial at Radiodays Ireland event
28.03.2025 - Ireland Ireland
Ireland's media regulator - Coimisiún na Meán - has announced its support for a new DAB trial set to begin in April of this year. Coimisiún na Meán’s 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.” The DAB trial will facilitate 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.

(radiotoday.ie) Read more


Coimisiún na Meán supports new DAB radio trial
27.03.2025 - Ireland Ireland
Coimisiún na Meán is announcing its support for a new DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) trial, set to begin in April of this year. 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.” The new trial will be operated by FáilteDAB who were issued a trial licence by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

(Coimisiún na Meán) Read more


Wireless Ireland becomes Onic, confirms launch of 10 new services on DAB+ trial
26.03.2025 - Ireland Ireland
Ireland’s newest media brand, Onic, has launched with a commitment to re-shaping the future of the audio and digital landscape in Ireland. Onic, formerly Wireless Ireland, is home to some of Ireland’s best-loved radio stations. In a significant move, Onic also confirmed the launch of 10 new services on the much anticipated DAB+ trial across the broader Leinster area, a suite of new digital streams, an expansion of talkSPORT Ireland and newly refreshed websites. Highlights that underpin today’s announcement include a suite of DAB+ and digital services delivering expanded consumer choice, and complementary audiences to our existing brands. These will target audiences in niche formats including Rock, Kids, Country and RnB amongst others.

(Onic, formerly Wireless Ireland) Read more


Nova Xtra on DAB radio
25.03.2025 - Ireland Ireland
Radio Nova Xtra will be a new radio channel broadcast by Radio Nova on DAB+. Nova Xtra will bring all the best from Radio Nova - The Home of Seriously Addictive Music in Ireland. Nova Extra is a specialist, rock radio service, designed as a supplement to Radio Nova. Radio Nova is owned by Bay Broadcasting, an Irish-owned radio group that also owns Classic Hits Radio. In 2025, the Broadcasting Services Strategy will be implemented by Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland's regulator for broadcasting and media. This strategy will lay the groundwork for radio licensing over the following five years.

(Radio Nova) Read more


DAB+ to be tested in Ireland this spring
06.03.2025 - Paneda WorldDAB Member - GatesAir WorldDAB Member - Ireland Ireland
A higher-powered version of the DAB+ broadcast platform is set for a trial in Ireland this spring. FáilteDAB is the name being given to the test that will begin broadcasting in April to eastern portions of Ireland, according to the platform’s website. It will operate under a one-year ComReg DAB+ trial license. The test aims “to provide Irish radio operators and listeners an experience of DAB+ not previously experienced in Ireland,” according to the website. FáilteDAB said it welcomes all Irish Coimisiún na Meán licensed radio operators to participate in the test. Dublin-based Foothold Communications is the operator of FáilteDAB. The company said it has worked with GatesAir and Paneda to supply technology for the network.

(Radio World) Read more


  • Rtl_600

    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

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Key Information

Status: trial and/or regulation
Population: 4.9 million
Total Sales (cumulative): 400,000 devices
Penetration by household: Sparkline Graph 17%
Last update: 07.11.2024

Useful Links

FáilteDAB
Coimisiún na Meán
Commission for Communications Regulation (Comreg)