The Sunday Times today revealed that RTÉ have shelved their plans to launch a new television channel for the substantial Irish community in Britain.

The Communications Minister, Eamon Ryan, announced earlier this year that the channel would launch to the 850,000 Irish in the UK by Saint Patrick’s Day 2009. During the summer, it appeared that the launch was well under way as RTÉ recruited for senior staff but now appears that RTÉ do not have the funds to continue with launch plans.

John Nolan, Chairman of the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society was asked to comment on the revelations by Sunday Times journalist, Mark Tighe. The Chairman responded to the news with disappointment:

This is really disheartening, especially for the older generation. The government has bragged about providing this service and it is long overdue, so there should be no excuses.

The full article can be viewed at the TimesOnline.