RTÉ is keeping its digital stations RTÉ Gold, 2XM, Pulse, and RTÉjr on the air, but is axing its radio transmission on DAB.

The closure of the stations was first announced in March 2019, but the decision was reversed today.

The digital radio stations were due to be closed as part of cost-saving measures at the cash-strapped national broadcaster, however, it was revealed today that the stations have been saved - although the DAB network that carries them is being shut down.

RTÉ said in a statement that the DAB network is being shut down due to low usage numbers and cost avoidance, as well as RTÉ being the only broadcaster in the nation to use DAB. According to the latest JNLR figures, some 77% of people in Ireland use FM radio to listen to radio, while only 5% of people listen via mobile devices and just 0.5% listen via DAB.

RTÉ Gold focuses on music from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, while 2XM and Pulse are more focused on modern music. Pulse, for example, is heavily focused on dance music while RTÉjr is focused on children's programming.

It's understood all stations will continue to be accessible via online, TV, and smart speakers.