Last Updated: 03/03/2008  17:02

Irish language radio station launched

Iveren Yongo

A hundred young people made a human X on the cricket pitch at Trinity College Dublin

A hundred young people made their mark on the media landscape creating a human X symbol in Trinity College Dublin's cricket pitch to launch a national Irish-language radio station.

The unnamed station, temporarily called Raidió X, is aimed at 15 to 35-year-olds and has made its first broadcast today.

Managed by Conradh na Gailge, Raidió X will be the first station of its kind broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week over the Internet.

Station bosses believe that as well as increasing the nation's Irish-language radio audience, the station will encourage more interest in the language among young people and provide a platform for Irish-language musicians to showcase their talents.

Chairperson of Raidió X working group, Lisa Ní Choisdealbha, said:   "This is a historic day as we begin to broadcast the Irish language radio station Raidió X.

"This station has the greatest potential to advance the promotion and use of Irish amongst young people since the setting up of TG4. I am certain that we will see positive results in the near future."

The first programmes are pre-recorded with live broadcasts expected to start in the summer.

Television presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin and comedian Des Bishop have commended the new radio station and given it their support.

Listeners are invited to come up with the best name for the station in a competition.

© 2008 ireland.com