Police, fire and ambulance radio communication systems were severely compromised when
pirate radio and TV stations began to broadcast across Ireland in the 1980’s.
Confidential documents released from the state archives showed that illegal radio stations
had caused serious interference within the Irish emergency and transport
services. In April 1983, the Government was determined to increase fines to clamp down on
the rising number of pirate stations.
While interference was caused to the Garda, ambulance and fire brigade radio networks, there was also disruption to airport fire services, taxiing aircraft and aircraft immediately after take-off.
Dublin Airport had reported a total of 22 incidents in 1982 where radio frequency interference was recorded.
