RTÉ's decision to resume broadcast of sports coverage on both longwave and FM frequencies shows common sense has prevailed, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern said tonight.
A spokeswoman for RTÉ Radio
Ahead of meetings with emigrant groups in Britain tomorrow Mr Ahern said the weekend sports shows offered people living abroad a crucial link to events in Ireland.
"I know from talking to emigrant groups in Britain the vital link with home RTÉ sports coverage provides at weekends," the minister said. "From my discussions with RTÉ management they showed a willingness to reverse the decision to effectively exclude the Irish emigrant community in Britain from listening to weekend sport depending on the public reaction.
"Those voices in Britain have obviously been heard. Common sense has prevailed." From this Saturday, July 16th, listeners will be able to tune in to weekend sports coverage on both the FM and Longwave 252 frequencies.
A spokeswoman for RTÉ Radio said the decision was taken following feedback from listeners. "It is clear that there are sports fans who cannot receive our FM coverage. We are therefore pleased to restore sports on Saturday and Sunday afternoons on Longwave 252."
Mr Ahern is due to meet emigrant groups at the Irish embassy in London where he will announce new grants for more than 100 organisations offering support and advice to Irish people living in Britain.