24 February 2012 Last updated at 12:17 ET

New venture brings RTE and TG4 to NI homes

The joint venture by RTE and TG4 would bring programmes from both to around 90% of NI homes

The Irish Republic's competition authority has permitted the creation of a new digital television multiplex in Northern Ireland.

It will carry services from south of the border.

The joint venture by RTE (Raidio Teilifis Eireann) and Teilifis na Gaeilge (TG4) would bring programmes from both to around 90% of NI homes.

The authority consulted with broadcasting regulators in the UK and Ireland.

It found that the creation of Multiplex Broadcasting Services N.I. Limited would not substantially lessen competition in the market for the sale of television advertising.

Both the UK and Ireland are working towards the switch off of analogue signals at the end of 2012.

The new multiplex will broadcast in DVB-T2, the same parameters used by Freeview HD.

Unlike standard definition Freeview receivers, these devices can be used on both sides of the border.