Dr McDonnell said:  “RTE have confirmed that they have listened to their audience and will not terminate the long wave radio service in the New Year as planned.  I feel this is a positive step. I have been contacted by constituents who were worried about losing this link, given the often patchy FM signal in Northern Ireland.

“I would like to acknowledge the political representations that were made on this issue, and that the Department of Foreign Affairs will now commission research to better understand the community in the UK who use long wave to listen to RTE Radio.  I have also written to senior Ministers to ask them to remember the needs of listeners in Northern Ireland when considering future changes.”