RICC Radio, the new online community radio station officially launched on Thursday November 22nd, presentations were followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a purpose built studio.
The event was a culmination of months of hard work by all those involved and was an opportunity to thank partners and supporters.
Speaking at the event, Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre Manager Lorraine Barry said, “RICC Radio is a forum for people to share information, it’s a community forum and also a great resource to train local people in media techniques.”
Supported by Dublin City Council, The Aviva Stadium and The East Link Toll Bridge the project is run by staff from TÚS and Community Employment schemes and volunteers. Resources and skills are supplied by main Corporate Social Responsibility partner BT Ireland. The radio project came about through funding from the Tall Ships Festival. In fact, one of the first radio segments is an interview with the Tall Ships captains.
At the launch actor Joe Taylor spoke to those assembled about the nation’s love of radio. Those in attendance included a host of public representatives, Labour TD Kevin Humphries and Cllrs Maria Parody and Dermot Lacey, Fine Gael TD Eoghan Murphy and Cllrs Paddy McCartan and Kieran Binchy.
Young local musicians from Dylan Clayton’s ‘School of Rock’ entertained the audience. The theme of youth was ever present as members of the Youth Project lent their support.
Producer Johnny Furlong took to the stage to demonstrate just how easy the online station is to access. Those present were treated to a ‘highlights’ package including Mary Caulfield’s brilliant ‘Cup of Tea’ sessions which features senior members of the community discussing all things Ringsend and Irishtown.
“A local radio station will be hugely beneficial to the people of Ringsend and Irishtown. It will reduce isolation, facilitate integration, support local businesses and value diversity in culture. All of which are vital to such a bustling and expanding community,” Lorraine Barry added.
Accessible through the Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre (RICC) website www.ricc.ie, the station would like to hear from local people and groups about the kind of content they would like to hear.
By Rupert Heather
