Drogheda set to be the HQ for local radio

April 1989

The headquarters for the region’s new local radio will be in Drogheda and not Dundalk as originally announced.

In a surprise move, Radio LM, the group that wins the franchise, reveals the location at a public meeting in Drogheda.

The decision, according to director Fergus McArdle is made on ‘geographical and commercial grounds’ but he admits that, as a Dundalk man and with a majority of Dundalk businessmen on the board, it doesn’t come easily.

Mr McArdle, Eamonn Hiney, Peter Quinn and Eugene Caulfield originally get involved because of their desire the station be located in Dundalk.

‘In the end we accept the arguments that Drogheda is more central to service the two counties,’ says Mr McArdle.

He hints that another consideration is the level of commercial activity in Drogheda which the company feels is greater than Dundalk at present; and the availability and cost of office accommodation.

The director adds suitable offices are available in Drogheda at a third of the price.

‘While the headquarters, newsroom and main studio will be in Drogheda, there will be a studio in Dundalk from which regular programmes will be transmitted,’ he says.

Mr McArdle continues the board’s decision to changes its mind about the HQ is another example of a determination to make the radio station a viable one.

A transmitter for the station will be located at Mount Oriel in Collon, with a booster in Cooley if need be.

‘We want to kill off the idea that the station will be a Drogheda one. We intend to service the region and will spell out our plans at a public meeting in Dundalk at the end of this month.’