Small Scale DAB In Ireland That Was Planned

Jonathan1990

If anyone knows on here in the UK there has been a load of small scale DAB multiplexes been switched on. Over 200. Small scale DAB are multiplexes that only cover a small area. Small scale DAB was originally planned to be on L band and now users the normal band due to the L band never been used. In the 2000s there were apparently 31 planned in Ireland which is still displayed on the DAB Ensembles Worldwide website which I will put down. Just like in the UK though not all of their small scale DAB multiplexes have made it to air with some having no applications filled in and other having the license revoked. Which one of these location do you think would have launched a service or failed to launch due to the lack of local FM and internet radio stations in that area?

Carlow County

Caven County

Clare County

Cork City

Cork County

Donegal Northwest

Dublin City (Which has already had a small scale multiplex that was unlicensed)

Dublin County

East Coast Wicklow

Galway City

Galway County

Kerry County

Kildare County

Kilkenny County

Laois & Offaly

Limerick City

Limerick County

Longford & Westmeath

Louth County

Mayo County

Meath County

Monaghan County

North Inishowen

Roscommon & S Leitrim

Sligo & S Donegal

Tipperary County

Waterford City

Waterford County

Wexford County

Wexford Town

Wicklow Rural

kazoo106

There’s been a lot of discussion about small-scale DAB in the UK, with 150 multiplexes advertised so far. Out of these, 64 are currently on air, bringing local and community radio to new audiences. In contrast, Ireland never officially pursued small-scale DAB, though a set of 31 planned multiplex areas from the early 2000s is still listed on the DAB Ensembles Worldwide website.

For context, small-scale DAB was originally meant to operate on L Band, but this band was never widely used and is now defunct. However, Band III allocations exist for every county in Ireland, meaning that the spectrum is available should the will ever emerge to launch small-scale DAB here.

Looking at the 31 planned areas, some would have been more viable than others. Dublin City & County, Cork City, Galway City, Limerick City, and Waterford City would likely have launched, given their strong local radio presence and population density. Louth and Meath also stand out as commuter belt counties where digital radio could have had a foothold.

On the other hand, many rural counties would have struggled due to a lack of local FM and online stations to populate a multiplex. Places like Carlow, Cavan, Monaghan, North Inishowen, and Roscommon & South Leitrim likely wouldn’t have seen much interest.

The question is – if small-scale DAB had been pursued in Ireland, would it have succeeded as it has in the UK? Or would it have faced the same challenges as full-scale DAB here, with limited uptake and interest?

Would be interested in hearing thoughts – especially from anyone with insight into the Irish radio industry.

Jonathan1990

In Northern Ireland the following are currently broadcasting.

Belfast & Lisburn

Derry/Londonderry

Newry

Enniskillen has just been advertised in round 7 with closing date of 29th April 2025.