Satellite firm BSkyB is expected to announce the appointment of TV3 executive, Mr Mark Deering, as head of its Irish operation within the next few weeks.

The appointment would represent the second Irish coup within a week for Sky following its deal with RT╔ which will enable viewers here to watch RT╔ on the Sky satellite platform.

Sky, which supplies TV services over its satellite platform, said last week that it had signed up 193,000 Irish subscribers in the period to September 30th.

The UK firm's rapid development here has called into question the viability of a Government sponsored alternative digital terrestrial television service.

It has also undermined the dominant position of both the major cable operators in the Republic, Chorus and NTL.

It is understood Sky has approached Mr Deering, TV3's director of regulatory and legal affairs, to take the role of Irish general manger for Sky.

Sources said last night Mr Deering would probably take up the position within the next few weeks.

However, when contacted by The Irish Times Mr Deering refused to comment.

Mr Deering's departure to Sky would come at a sensitive time for TV3, which like RT╔, must decide whether it will pay to join the Sky platform.

Mr Deering said last night TV3 was not currently talking to Sky about joining the platform. But he said the two firms had held discussions in the past.

He said TV3 would only join the Sky platform if it was commercially viable. If it is extremely expensive then TV3 will not join, he added.