MP visits unique Northern Ireland transmitter site

Sorcha Eastwood MP visits transmitting station, highlighting personal and national importance of broadcast infrastructure

October 15, 2024: Sorcha Eastwood, MP for Lagan Valley, has visited the historic Lisnagarvey Transmitting Station in Lisburn, a site of both national and personal significance. 

The visit was hosted by Arqiva, the owner and operator of the network of 1450 transmitting stations which broadcast TV and radio services around the UK. The visit showcased the essential role that broadcast services play in delivering TV and radio across Northern Ireland, alongside the role it plays in national resilience.

The visit held personal significance for Sorcha Eastwood; the Lisnagarvey mast, built by the BBC in 1935 and officially opened in 1936, has long been a landmark for her, as it overlooks her family’s farm in Blaris. 

Sorcha met key representatives from Arqiva who discussed a range of issues, including Arqiva’s support for Broadcast 2040+. This campaign calls for the Government to commit to ensuring broadcast TV and radio remain accessible to all until at least 2040, for the millions of people across the UK who rely on these critical services, especially those in vulnerable communities, many of whom can’t afford expensive subscriptions or access to superfast broadband.

The Arqiva team further explained how the company’s technology and infrastructure is being utilised to support the digitisation of the utilities industry through advances such as smart metering and monitoring technology. Within the water industry, the innovation provides homes, businesses and water companies with the detailed data they need to make better use of this valuable resource. 

As demand for water increases, NI Water predicts that by 2045 there could be a shortfall in water supplies for customers of 27 million litres of water per day[1] , so action to help modify behaviour, cut down on waste and identify leaks is vitally important.

I'm very proud to have Lisnagarvey Transmitter in my constituency of Lagan Valley. 

The transmitter has always been a part of my life, standing as a symbol of our local heritage. I was fascinated to learn more about its history and the important role it plays in our national infrastructure today.

It was fascinating to learn about this critical national infrastructure and how it relates to people's lives, delivering the broadcast services that people really care about. And it's brilliant to have been able to visit and actually see how it all happens.

Sorcha Eastwood, MP for Lagan Valley

We were delighted to welcome Sorcha to site, to showcase our work but also to hear about her own, personal connection to Arqiva Lisnagarvey.

We are proud that our technology continues to play a crucial role in the lives of millions of people across the country, as well as its capacity to deliver a significant contribution to addressing water scarcity.

Tara Pollock, communications director at Arqiva 

ENDS

[1] NI Water Draft Water Resource and Supply Resilience Plan - https://www.flipsnack.com/8ECD65DD75E/niw-draft-water-resource-supply-resilience-plan/full-view.html