UP to 5,000 more households in the southeast will lose their multi channel television reception today following further legal moves by Cablelink against television deflector groups in the area.
The deflector equipment in Tramore and Dunmore in Co Waterford is to be switched off by its operators, who have received a solicitor's letter demanding an undertaking that they will "cease and desist operating the unlicensed retransmission service".
The letter, sent on behalf of Cablelink Ltd, also requires an undertaking that the signal mast and apparatus be dismantled and removed from the lands on which they are situated. The letter warns that failure to comply may result in an injunction being sought against them.
The operators yesterday said the shutdown would affect homes in south Wexford as far east as Kilmore Quay, in south Kilkenny, and in coastal areas of Co Waterford. Several thousand homes in Kilmacthomas and in south Tipperary have already lost their deflector service, following a High Court injunction some weeks ago against the SouthEast Community Deflector Group.
The group subsequently decided to nominate the service operator, Mr Dermot Kirwan, as a community candidate in the election. Mr Kirwan predicted at the weekend that the latest action would strengthen his support.