Waterford Senator expresses disappointment at removal of BBC Sounds from Ireland

Waterford’s Senator Joe Conway has stressed the importance of maintaining the BBC Sounds app for Irish audiences.

It was recently announced that BBC Sounds will be geo-blocked for audiences outside the UK from later this year.

The move means listeners in the Republic of Ireland will no longer be able to tune into BBC Radio Ulster or Radio Foyle online.

The decision is more nuanced than it may initially seem, as questions are being asked about what the removal means in relation to the Good Friday Agreement, specifically regarding its role in promoting cultural diversity through public service broadcasting.

Senator Conway, of the Cultural and Educational Panel, said in the Seanad this week that the BBC removing the service from Irish audiences was "very regrettable".

“Many of us treasure it. As somebody who lives in the south east, I know that up until BBC Sounds came along, we had to try to tune into BBC Wales, getting a very ropey and fluctuating signal, or listen to BBC Radio 4 on long wave, but now there is a crystal-clear flawless reception on the radio. It came with great sadness that the app was going to be withdrawn.

“Fundamentally for us in Ireland, I strongly believe that the removal of the BBC Sounds app goes against the spirit of strand 3 of the Good Friday Agreement, insofar as it refers to cultural inclusion and diversity. 

"I am also speaking up for the 100,000 people in Gaeltacht areas who listen to Irish-language broadcasts from BBC Ulster.

"Every one of us in the House should use our influence in our parties or wherever we can to entreat the BBC and the cultural attaché in the embassy to look at this question again."

Senator Conway added that there was however a "chink of light" regarding the issue, as the BBC are thought to be reviewing the removal.