Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
156. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures his Department are taking to support local and community radio stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16789/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal and community radio stations play a vital role in providing valuable public service content to the Irish public, contributing to a diversity and a plurality of voices in the media sector.
The Programme for Government acknowledges that independent broadcasters perform a vital public service and deserve to have this recognised and supported. This is being achieved through a range of media funding schemes, for which local and community radio stations and broadcasters are eligible to apply.
Approximately €15m in funding was awarded by Coimisiún na Meán in January of this year to support high-quality journalism and news and current affairs output and to assist media organisations in the digital up-skilling of existing staff and the modernisation of technology and digital infrastructure. Local and community radio stations are amongst the beneficiaries of this funding.
As part of the Budget 2026 allocation, I secured €1m for the development of a new Community Media Scheme.
It is intended that the Community Media Scheme will be developed and launched later this year by Coimisiún na Meán, reflecting the invaluable role that community media plays in community engagement, cohesion, and in the promotion of social inclusion in communities across the State.
This is in addition to funding supports provided to the community media sector through the Sound and Vision Scheme through which over €1.1m was awarded to the sector in 2025.
Coimisiún na Meán are progressing a body of research into current community media supports. This research, when complete, will inform future policy decisions including in relation to the design and implementation of the Community Media Scheme. The research will also look at ways to ensure community media are well positioned to access schemes on a more even playing field with larger media counterparts.
As Minister, I understand the important role that local and community radio play in our society. The new dedicated Community Media Scheme will ensure the continued provision of essential support for community radio nationwide, while existing supports for the wider media sector will continue to provide vital support to ensure that our local and regional radio remain viable, strong and actively contribute to a thriving and diverse media landscape.
