RADIO Ireland is still on course to turn a profit within two to three years, Ms Moya Doherty, a member of the board has said. She said the board was pleased with the station's listenership and progress to date.

The first listenership figures for the station, which is up and running for just over two months, were expected in July or August, she added.

Ms Doherty said that, like the television station T na G, Radio Ireland may have suffered a bit regarding getting a heavy commitment from advertisers at an early stage. "Advertisers are being cautious, but supportive," she said.

Radio Ireland has already undergone several upheavals, with the departure of its chief executive, Mr Dan Collins, before the station went on air and the departure of Mr Gavin Duffy, one of its presenters.

Ms Doherty said it was all part of development and change. "The worst thing a radio station can do is stay static," she said. "In a startup situation, things change as it develops and finds its feet."

She added that the station now had a very strong team in Dick Hill and John Caden, both former RTE employees, whom she described as very strong thinkers".

Ms Doherty was speaking yesterday after being presented with the Businesswoman of the Year award which is sponsored by Veuve Clicquot.

Ms Doherty is the cocreator and producer of Riverdance. She is also a director of Tyrone Productions and Abhann Productions as well as being on the Radio Ireland Board and the ACC Dublin Film Festival board. She was recently made honorary vice president of the Irish Club in London.

The award, which was established in 1973, judges nominees on several criteria. These include the ability to motivate people, their entrepreneurism, dynamism, financial responsibility, innovation and tenacity.

Ms Doherty flies out to Australia today where the Riverdance show has been playing to packed houses for three months. In June it moves to the US and Canada. A second show opened in Sheffield earlier this week.

As the new holder of the award, Ms Doherty also received a silver champagne cooler trophy. She will be invited to visit the home of Veuve Clicquot in Reims in October where a vine will be christened for her.

Previous winners include: Ms Liavin Mallin, managing director of Celtic Hampers; Ms Mary Broughan, formerly of Woodchester Bank; and Ms Freda Hayes formerly of Blarney Woollen Mills.