Northern Ireland's Irish speaking community was given a boost today as TG4 began broadcasting to thousands of homes.
The free service is being beamed into all households across Belfast as part of a deal brokered under the Belfast Agreement.
Viewers can expect sports coverage including the Tour de France and Aussie Rules, while American soap operas and dramas will be aired along with documentaries on life in Ireland.
Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey said the move could pave the way for more locally produced programmes.
"I would like to thank all the people who where responsible for the planning and installation of the service," he said.
Mr Dempsey said today's official launch of the TG4 service came after years of close cooperation between the British and Irish government departments and agencies.
It is understood officials on both sides of the Border are examining the possibility of extending the service further across Northern Ireland.
The station is currently broadcast to 65 per cent of homes in the North.
Pol O Gallchoir, TG4 chief executive, said the extension of the channel was a very welcome development for the thriving Irish language community in the north.
"Since coming on-air in 1996, we have been inundated with requests from the north about how people could access our service," he said.
PA