Vandals deprive viewers of RTÉ transmission

MORE than 300 people in Co Waterford fear they may lose RTÉ television permanently following a spate of vandalism.

The national broadcaster’s transmitter in the Kilmacomma area outside Clonmel is now out of action as a result of the latest attack on it, and RTÉ say its future is “uncertain’ because of the cost implications.

RTÉ say it will cost €65,000 to repair it. But it has already spent over €40,000 on repairs from previous attacks.

Now RTÉ believe “enough is enough” and that further expenditure on the transmitter cannot be justified.

RTÉ said it has previously taken steps to safeguard the transmitter from vandals. These included the erection of fencing and the installation of steel doors, but it has continued to be damaged.

The transmitter was erected to give an improved service for households in the Kilmacomma area who had difficulties receiving RTÉ reception from the main transmitter in Clonmel.

However, it quickly became a major target for vandals. Every time it is attacked there have been disruptions to the RTÉ service until repairs are carried out.

“We are all sick and tired of this problem,” one resident said. “We are even more sick and tired of the reprehensible behaviour of the thugs behind it all.”

Co Waterford mayor John Carey said he condemned the attacks but urged RTÉ not to pull the plug on the Kilmacomma residents.

Mayor Carey said every effort must be made to try and identify a more secure site to locate the transmitter.

He pleaded with RTÉ not to bow to the vandals. “To do so would be to raise the white flag of surrender to those whose outrageous actions have brought this situation about,” the mayor added.