BSkyB Irish subscriber numbers climbs to 318,000

The Irish arm of BSkyB has seen subscriber numbers to its digital service reach 318,000, up from 315,00 in December 2003.

The station has introduced Sky News Ireland evening bulletins to its schedule last Monday from 7pm-10pm in a bid to woo further subscribers.

Sky channels are now currently available to over two thirds of all households via cable/MMDS and Sky digital.

Since 1998, subscriber numbers to Sky digital have more than quadrupled the size of its satellite service subscriber base.

Mark Deering, Director of Sky Ireland said: "Almost a quarter of all households in Ireland now subscribe to Sky Digital confirming the ongoing appeal of the wide choice offered by our service.

"With the successful launch of Sky News Ireland this week, Sky continues to enhance its offering in the marketplace," he added.

Earlier, parent UK company BSkyB announced after-tax profits of £243m (€362m).