1634. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department or the Commission for Communications Regulation has carried out any assessment of the condition and resilience of radio transmission infrastructure operated by independent broadcasters; whether independent radio is included in national emergency communications planning for circumstances in which broadband and mobile networks fail; whether he will consider a dedicated capital fund for that infrastructure in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62055/26]

Radio broadcasters in Ireland are subject to licence under Part 6 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 as amended. Coimisiún na Meán and /or the sound broadcaster must ensure that equipment is installed, maintained and operated in accordance with Statutory Instrument 109 of 2007 - European Communities (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Regulations 2007 (as amended.) Each broadcaster is required to establish, maintain and operate the broadcasting transmitter in accordance with the terms and conditions attached to the licence. Under the contract between Coimisiún na Meán and the sound broadcasting contractor, the radio broadcaster shall provide back-up equipment in case of failure of a transmitter or link equipment. Broadcasters must ensure minimum requirements are met and that resilience is provided for in accordance with their licence. In practice radio broadcasters have typically maintained coverage in recent years during severe weather conditions.

Part 6 of the Act also provides for Ministerial powers in a national emergency including that the licence may be suspended and that the Minister may operate the service or require the service to be operated as he or she directs. Coimisiún na Meán has the power to require broadcasters and network providers to cooperate with public bodies to disseminate relevant information to the public in the event of a major emergency. The broadcaster is also obliged to comply with any direction from Coimisiún na Meán to allocate broadcasting time for announcements for or on behalf of any Government Minister in the event of a major emergency.

In terms of personal preparedness for emergencies, the Office of Emergency Planning under the remit of the Department of Defence last week published an “Emergency Ready” booklet for the public, which can be found online here: Be Emergency Ready .https://www.gov.ie/en/office-of-emergency-planning/campaigns/be-emergency-ready/

In terms of ‘staying connected’ during an emergency, the booklet recommends that the public should, inter alia, keep a battery, wind-up or solar radio and spare batteries, or use a car radio as backup. If a member of the public needs to leave home for one reason or another, it is suggested they should be aware of potential risks and listen to local radio to stay up to date on conditions where possible.

The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on the Budget 2027 allocations which are subject to the deliberative process for the forthcoming Budget and the preparation of the 2027 Estimates.