RTE has announced it will axe one of its long-running radio services as it is no longer “fit for purpose”.
The broadcaster's long wave 252 service for Radio 1 - popular with radio fans in the UK - will wrap up on Friday, April 14.
RTE said the long wave mast at Summerhill, Co Meath, is no longer fit for purpose, and maintaining it costs too much.
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RTE Director General, Dee Forbes, said: "While RTE has invested considerably in prolonging the life of the transmitter to broadcast RTE Radio 1 on Long Wave 252, we can no longer justify this investment.
"Not only is RTE Radio 1 widely available in the UK across television and online services, including apps and smart speakers, the energy costs involved along with the cost of replacing the transmitter mean that, in line with the recommendation of the Future of Media Commission Report, the time has come to bring the Long Wave service to a close.
"While this may be disappointing to some listeners, RTE must continue to invest in critical projects underpinning our production, distribution and business activities, as well as digital projects which are essential to ensure we continue to deliver value to our audiences."
Irish listeners can continue to tune into RTE Radio 1 on FM, as well as Saorview and Saorstat or on the RTE Radio Player apps.
And in the UK, RTE Radio 1 will still be available on Freesat channel 750, Sky channel 0160 and Virgin Media channel 917, or on audio streaming services.
Phasing out the Long Wave service was among the recommendations to ensure RTE investment in innovation and digital services as part of the Future of Media Commission Report published by the Government last July.
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