On Thursday last, an enthusiastic delegation from Claremorris Community Radio travelled to Dublin to attend the signing of a new 10-year licence contract at BAI headquarters.
The contract was signed on behalf of the BAI by the Chairperson Prof Pauric Travers and CEO Mr Michael O’Keeffe. Pat Keane, Chairperson and Anne McLoughlin Company Secretary, signed for Claremorris Community Radio.
A spokesperson for the station said: "This licence is a great achievement for all involved in the radio and is the direct result of the single-minded perseverance of all the radio members. Great credit is due to the hard-working staff, the board and committees. The licence could not have been achieved without the generous support of the community.
"We have sponsors and advertisers and benefactors who are second to none. We acknowledge the support of Pobal and the CSP fund. In times of crises we had the backing, support and advice of local councillors, Minister Michael Ring and Senator Catherine Noone, who recognised our vision and trusted in our competence.
"With the 10-year licence the radio now has the confidence to make long-term plans. We are about to move to new premises where all the community will be welcome. We hope to provide the community with a platform for all its diverse voices. We want every voice heard and as many as possible recorded. We would like to make redundant a comment often heard, 'It’s a pity no one recorded her/his story, it’s gone with them now'.
Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has warmly welcomed the news that Claremorris Community Radio has renewed its ten year community sound broadcasting contract with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI ).
Minister Ring said: "This is great news for the local community. Claremorris Community Radio provides a great service to the local area and I wish them every success over the next ten years.
"I commend Secretary, Anne Mc Loughlin; Chairperson, Pat Keane and all at Claremorris Community Radio for their great work on behalf of their local community and on facilitating the renewal of their BAI contract.
"Community radio plays an important role in supporting community events, promoting local causes and keeping communities informed about what’s going on in their area. For example, community radio stations really got behind my Department’s The Big Hello events over the May Bank Holiday weekend and helped make a success of the more than 1,000 that took place around the country."
