A chara, - Raidio na Life 102 has now been broadcasting for six years on the 102.2 FM frequency all over greater Dublin, doing a great service for the Irish language community in Dublin. The decision of the IRTC to remove this frequency from the station and allot it to a new commercial station is a major cause of alarm and disappointment. Remember that Raidio na Life 102 is a community station being run on a voluntary, non-profit basis. Let us remember what constant effort and daily enthusiasm is required to keep such a project up and running. If the IRTC goes ahead with its decision, it will effectively negate much of the work and hard graft put in by those involved in Raidio na Life 102 from the beginning. The identity it has carved out for itself, so closely identified with 102.2 FM, would be lost, together with the money and effort spent achieving this identity in competition with much bigger and wealthier enterprises.
The IRTC above all others should be aware of the good work being done by Raidio na Life 102 on behalf of the Irish speakers of Dublin, particularly young people. It is aware of the way many of those who worked with Raidio na Life have gone on to make a name for themselves on the national broadcasting stage. One can only conclude, therefore, that its decision is a sign of lack of respect and complete disinterest towards those involved with Raidio na Life and the Irish language community in Dublin. All those who are interested in the future of Irish in Dublin and in community broad- casting should vigorously oppose this unjust decision. - Is mise,
Diarmuid O Se, Ballybar, Co Carlow.