RTÉ plans to launch UK channel

Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has outlined proposals for a new free-to-air TV service for the Irish diaspora in Britain the UK.
The news was revealed in the Irish broadcaster’s newly released five-year-plan, though any new service would be subject to the broadcaster receiving increased levels of funding in the coming years. RTÉ has seen its income drop by €105 million since 2008.

RTÉ Ireland, the working title for the new free-to-air channel, would be available on digital satellite and cable channel line ups in England, Wales and Scotland. It would also be available globally via the RTÉ website.
According to the broadcaster, the proposed channel would target the Irish diaspora and “and anyone who has an interest in Irish life, culture and media.” The channel would feature programmes shown on RTÉ One and Two and from the RTÉ archives. Some shows would be simulcast live from RTÉ One and Two.
There are no plans for the service to appear on the satellite or cable EPG’s of viewers in Northern Ireland, where domestic channels RTÉ One and Two are already widely distributed on Sky, digital Freeview and cable.