Brendan Smith TD Secures Tánaiste’s Pledge to Tackle RTÉ and TG4 Geo-Blocking in Northern Ireland

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Local Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has secured a key commitment from Tánaiste to raise the issue of RTÉ and TG4 geo-blocking in Northern Ireland directly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Deputy Smith brought the matter to the Dáil following widespread frustration from viewers north of the border who were unable to access live coverage of major GAA fixtures, including the recent Division Two National Football League Final between Monaghan and Roscommon.

“It’s unacceptable that people in Northern Ireland are blocked from watching Gaelic games and cultural programming from RTÉ and TG4,” said Deputy Smith. “These broadcasts are central to our shared heritage and identity. Whether you’re a lifelong GAA supporter or a new fan, you should be able to watch these matches no matter where you live on this island.”

The Tánaiste acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and confirmed he will raise it at the next meeting with the Secretary of State, highlighting that The Good Friday Agreement committed to facilitating a number of initiatives, including the widespread availability of TG4 in Northern Ireland.

Deputy Smith also raised concerns about plans to restrict access to BBC audio streaming services in Ireland, calling such moves a step backwards for North-South cooperation.

“These broadcasting barriers fly in the face of the of the Good Friday Agreement and particularly in breach of the Memorandum of Understanding of 2010 on digital television signed by the Minister for Communications and the British Secretary of State for Culture, Meida and Sport.  Geo-blocking jeopardises efforts to strengthen cross-border ties,” he said.

The Tánaiste agreed, noting technical challenges around IP protocols and online streaming, but pledged to pursue a solution and report back to Deputy Smith.

Concluding, Deputy Brendan Smith stated, “I will continue to liaise with my Fianna Fáil and Government colleagues to ensure this vital issue is resolved. Nobody should be restricted from watching our beautiful Gaelic games, particularly those living north of the border.”