Decisions of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) to revise the franchise areas for local radio in counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Kildare were challenged in the High Court yesterday by a number of companies broadcasting in the former franchise areas.

The BCI decided to modify the areas for local radio from Carlow-Kildare to Carlow-Kilkenny with Kildare a separate entity.

Three companies - Carlow-Kilkenny Radio, Kildare Radio and Carlow-Kildare Radio - are opposing the BCI decision made in October last year awarding a contract for local radio in counties Carlow-Kilkenny-Kildare to CK Broadcasting Ltd (KCLR-FM) and Co Kildare FM Radio. Those proceedings opened yesterday.

Kilkenny Community Communications Co-operative Society, which failed to get a renewal of a broadcast licence for Kilkenny, has brought separate proceedings challenging the BCI decision to give the licence to KCLR-FM. The co-op, which employs 21 people, claims it will be forced into liquidation if the BCI decision stands.

The hearing before Mr Justice O'Caoimh continues today.