The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, formerly the IRTC, is inviting expressions of interest in local commercial radio services ahead of the re-advertisement of the licences of current operators, which will start in February 2002.
Chief executive Michael O'Keeffe says the commission is taking a broader approach to this phase. It is seeking expressions of interest under a number of headings, including additional local radio services, opt-out services and modified franchise areas.
Mr O'Keeffe says the commission may license additional services based on the interest shown. A commission spokesperson described the process as 'trawling for ideas'.
The BCI is also seeking expressions of interest for digital audio broadcasting (DAB) services, though this information will be used for frequency planning only and there are no plans to award DAB licences yet.
