The "compact" or tabloid format of the Irish Independent will be available throughout the Republic from next Monday, Independent News & Media (IN&M) announced yesterday.
The company said circulation increases of 10-15 per cent had been achieved in most regions where the new format was available. The precise figures would be available when audited circulation figures were released by ABC, according to the company.
IN&M said there was no plans at present to phase out the broadsheet version of the paper, which still commanded significant loyalty, said Mr Barry Brennan, marketing director IN&M.
The compact edition was introduced in the greater Dublin area on February 10th and was subsequently rolled out to Munster, south Leinster and the commuter towns of Navan, Portlaoise, Mullingar, Edenderry, Athy, Wicklow and Arklow.
The broadsheet and compact edition sell at the same price of €1.50 Monday to Friday.
When asked if there were plans to introduce the compact edition on Saturdays, Mr Brennan said that the issue was "under review".
He said the compact was aimed at busy commuters who were generally accessible Monday to Friday. But he said there might be a case for looking at a Saturday edition.
He said the company had expected a strong response to the compact in Dublin, but even IN&M was surprised by the strength of demand in areas outside Dublin.
