CONSTUCTION: RTÉ has been granted planning permission to build a satellite dish at its Donnybrook site that will enable it to broadcast the Sky platform.
The decision by Dublin City Council to grant planning permission will enable RTÉ to begin construction of a new satellite dish within the next few weeks.
RTÉ's planning application indicates it plans to build a satellite earth station with a structure of 7.6 metres in diameter at Montrose. It is understood RTÉ will bear the full construction costs for the dish and related electronic equipment. This is expected to amount to at least €317,600 (£250,000).
RTÉ plans to offer programmes to Sky satellite subscribers in the Republic and Northern Ireland from April. It is expected this will increase RTÉ's advertising revenue by making its channels available to an additional 120,000 homes in Northern Ireland. But one final hurdle could still delay, and potentially endanger, the deal between Sky and RTÉ.
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland is evaluating whether RTÉ needs a licence to offer its programmes over a satellite platform. The body - responsible for regulating the broadcasting sector - has taken legal advice on the matter and is expected to announce whether RTÉ requires the licence early next month.
