SDLP Raises Issue Over RTÉ 'Geo-Blocking'

The SDLP has raised the issue of Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ preventing access to sport for viewers in Northern Ireland.

Party leader, Claire Hanna, and Colum Eastwood met with UK Culture, Media and Sport Minister Stephanie Peacock to discuss solutions, such as the possibility of unique IP addresses to get around geo-blocking.

The SDLP has been speaking to both the UK and Irish governments in an attempt to find a work-around. South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "For years now, viewers in the North have been unable to watch some of our most iconic sporting moments on RTÉ due to geo-blocking. Imagine missing out on Rhys McClenaghan clinching his Olympic Gold, the Irish Rugby team at the World Cup or the Republic of Ireland playing at the Euros because of this rule.

"Many people in Northern Ireland have a sentimental attachment to RTÉ and enjoy a wide variety of programming from the broadcaster and they should not be prevented from tuning in due to this issue. We have had many meetings with RTÉ on this over the years, but have struggled to establish an appropriate work-around.

"I commend the work of Irish News journalist Cahair O'Kane who recently established that this issue could be solved by specific IP addresses for viewers in the North. We had a productive meeting with the Culture, Media and Sport Minister today and will continue to raise this with both governments in the hopes of solving this issue once and for all."