Sir, - Your report of radio developments in Cork (Southern Report, March 6th) gives a misleading impression of the circumstances surrounding the closure of RTE Radio Cork. The service was not under-funded, as was stated. RTE invested well over £1 million in the provision of the most advanced radio technology and studio development in Cork and substantial financial resources were provided to support the programme output.
Radio Cork was severely restricted by constraints on broadcasting hours and FM coverage in Co Cork, both of which were outside RTE's control. The second licence did not, as was stated, become available because of the closure of Radio Cork, as it was well known that the number of commercial licences was likely to increase irrespective of RTE's broadcasting activities in Cork. - Yours, etc.,
Kevin Healy, Director of Public Affairs, RTE, Dublin 4.