Every Saturday for the past nine years the volunteer-run west Donegal project has brought news, views and music to locals and the Diaspora but it has been off the airwaves since August 7 due to issues with accommodation.

Carol Ann Webb is one of the station’s directors. She said the 34 volunteers who make up Rosses Community Radio have been left devastated at having to leave the premises they have been in since 2012.

Ms Webb said, “We have over 5,000 listeners in the Donegal area but we have links in every corner of the globe. From South Africa to Australia, America, Germany, France, the UK, there are connections to Donegal in them all.

“The station is made possible by the 34 volunteers we have here who are driven by nothing more than their love of radio, love of music and their desire to give something back to the community.

“As you can imagine, all our hearts are broken by what has happened.”

Following a tough year due to the pandemic, fresh sponsorship deals which are key to the station’s survival were being finalised. They have been put on hold until a new home can be secured.

Under the Broadcast Authority of Ireland’s rules, the station has to be a certain size and has to be wheelchair accessible.

Appealing to anyone who has a unit that might be suitable to get in touch, Ms Webb added, “We have all the technical expertise and if a

premises can be found, we will all go the extra mile to get the station back up and running.

“We have looked at a few places but none of them have ticked all the necessary boxes. But there must be somewhere out there and we would love to hear from anyone who can help us out.”

Anyone who feels they might have a place for Rosses Community Radio, Carol Ann Webb can be reached on 0873224775. Alternatively the station’s Facebook page remains active and volunteers can be reached there.