A HIGH Court order yesterday prevented an unlicensed multi-channel television rebroadcaster from providing multi-channel television services in Co Tipperary.
Mr Justice O'Sullivan granted MMDS Television and Suir-Nore Relays an interlocutory injunction restraining Killenaule Television Broadcasting Company from retransmitting to households in Clonmel, Thurles and Cashel.
The order was made against Mr William Joseph McLoughlin Knockmmaroe, Upperchurch, Co Tipperary, and Killenaule Television Broadcasting Company Ltd Pike Street, Killenaule, Co Tipperary.
Mr Jim Cranwell, managing director of MMDS Television and Suir-Nore Relays, claimed that in January 1997, a rebroadcasting transmitter and receiver were erected at Knockmarroe, Upperchurch, Co Tipperary.
He claimed the receiver allowed people in Thurles to receive multi- channel television by erecting a UHF aerial for about Pounds 20. Mr Cranwell also claimed that the transmitter was erected without planning permission.
Mr Patrick Horgan, company secretary of Killenaule Television Broadcasting, in an affidavit, asked the court to adjourn the application for the injunction. Mr Horgan believed the company would in due course be licensed by the Minister for Public Enterprises.
Mr Horgan also claimed there was every prospect that the appropriate planning permission for the transmitter would be granted to the company.