The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland has received 57 proposals for new radio stations across the country, it emerged today.
A total of 44 groups have approached the BCI to stake a claim for slots on the nation's airwaves.
The proposals include plans for an Oldies Radio station in Dublin, Irish Christian Broadcasters playing nationwide and Irish Music Radio in the capital's commuter belt.
The BCI said most interest was shown for regional stations with seven proposals for the Mid-West and four in the North East.
And expressions of interest were also received for the provision of eight quasi-national stations which use a mix of AM-FM frequencies to broadcast across the country.
The Commission also revealed there were nine expressions of interest in the provision of services in Dublin and the commuter belt.
The proposals will be publicised in July before the BCI decides on licences.
PA