Eight pirate radio stations cease to broadcast following official raids

At least eight pirate radio stations have ceased broadcasting following raids by officials from the Office of the Director of…

At least eight pirate radio stations have ceased broadcasting following raids by officials from the Office of the Director of Telecommunications (ODTR).

Another five pirate stations could face having their electricity and telephone disconnected if they do not cease operations. The ODTR is in charge of licensing broadcasters.

A spokeswoman for the telecoms regulator confirmed yesterday the office had stepped up a campaign against the estimated 40 pirate radio stations in the Republic.

Station managers and landlords where a pirate station is based could also face fines of up to £20,000 or two years in prison on conviction.

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Officials visited 13 pirate stations in Dublin, Limerick, Monaghan in the past month and the telecoms regulator is preparing legal action against some landlords, said the spokeswoman.

The Communications Bill, which is due to pass into law this autumn, will include a provision which will allow the regulatory commission to seize pirate radio equipment.