Ireland

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.