Top 50 to include download sales

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.

The Irish Recorded Music Association has announced that digital downloads will become eligible for inclusion in total sales figures for the Irish charts.

Any tunes downloaded from legitimate websites, including Apple iTunes, Eircom Music Club, Mycokemusic, Vodafone, Sony Connect, Bleep, Wippit and easy Music will be included in compiling the chart.