THE Irish are turning into a nation of music downloaders as we turn away from conventional compact discs and buy songs online to be played on computers, iPods and mobile phones.

THE biggest change in the compilation of the Top 50 Singles chart in Irish music history takes place today when online sales will be counted for the first time.

Around 50 individuals and companies who illegally uploaded music tracks from the web will be hit with legal action, the Irish Recorded Music Association said today.