Thirty Jobs For New Irish Channel

Thirty jobs are expected to be created in Northern Ireland through the launch of an Irish-language television channel next month.

The jobs are part of 150 to be created across Ireland. Twelve roles are expected at IrishTV's Northern Ireland headquarters at Donaghmore in County Tyrone, while a further three will be created in production, presentation and commercial positions in each of the six counties of Northern Ireland.

Ten people will also be employed across three UK offices in Manchester, Liverpool and London and an initial five in the channel's US base in Cleveland, Ohio.

From Thursday 1 May, the channel will broadcast across the UK, Ireland and Europe on Satellite and Freesat. It will also broadcast on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the US.

The project has been founded by County Mayo entrepreneurs Pierce O'Reilly and Mairead Ní Mhaoilchiaráin and chaired by London-based Irish multi-millionaire John Griffin. The €15m project will also feature an online service.

Northern Ireland output will be managed by Malachi Cush, who said: "IrishTV is going to provide an exciting new platform on which to profile all that is good about visiting, living and working in Northern Ireland and through the 'County Matters' shows, the six counties of the north will have the opportunity to showcase themselves to a global audience.

"Whether you're from Antrim or Armagh, Cork or Clare, there is at least half an hour's worth of programming a week bringing your local area to you, wherever you are in the world."

(IT/MH)