Licensing Plans

The relevant timeframes for commercial radio licensing are posted here once a process is initiated. The current Commercial Radio Licensing Plan 2023 can be found here. 

• Statement of Interest (SOI) phase for the services listed in the Commercial Radio Licensing Plan 2022; Closed.
• An indicative guide for competitive applications is available here.

The documentation for open commercial radio licensing processes is posted to this section.

The relevant timeframes for community licensing are posted here once a process is initiated.

• Community Sound Broadcasting Service for South Dublin: closing date for Applications is 12 noon on Wednesday, 3rd August 2022; Closed 
• Community Sound Broadcasting Service for Athlone and its Environs: closing date for Applications is 12 noon on Thursday, 4th August 2022; Closed 

The documentation for the open community radio licensing processes is posted to this section.

• Community Sound Broadcasting Service for South Dublin: Guide to Submissions & Application Form; Closed

• Community Sound Broadcasting Service for Athlone and its Environs: Guide to Submissions & Application Form; Closed

The submissions/applications made for active commercial licensing processes are published here when available.

• Regional music-driven youth service for the Northwest
• Regional music-driven youth service for the North East and Midlands

The submissions/applications made for active community licensing processes are published here when available.

• Special Interest Community radio service, Dublin City
• Community Sound Broadcasting service, South West Clare
• Community Sound Broadcasting service, South West Tipperary
• Community Sound Broadcasting service, Youghal
• Community of interest Sound Broadcasting service, Cork City

The BAI is required to produce plans regarding the number, nature and scope of broadcasting contracts that it plans to enter into.   Information is available on the licensing processes and the types of radio services and the types of televisions services licensed to date by the BAI.

There are currently two active licensing plans, comprising a mix of community and commercial radio services:

• BAI Commercial Licensing Plan 2023
• BAI Commercial Licensing Plan 2022
• BAI Community Licensing Plan 2022