The Press Association is expanding its services to the news media in Ireland and taking on three reporters and a photographer.
Under its subsidiary, the Press Association of Ireland, a bureau is to be opened in Dublin in addition to the agency’s Belfast office, with extra journalists being recruited to strengthen PA’s news coverage in the south.
PA has also agreed with the Gaelic Athletic Association to become the official gatherer and supplier of statistics for hurling and gaelic football.
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From the start of the championship season in May, the agency will begin supplying print, broadcast, web and wireless media with live in-match data and enhanced statistics.
Editor Jonathan Grun said: “Traditionally, PA covered Ireland largely for the benefit of the Englishbased media. However, over recent years, it has become clear there are different perspectives to the news agenda here. We’re determined to reflect that in the Irish-focused services we’ll be providing on top of PA’s comprehensive wire service.”
The PA is establishing an advisory board chaired by Alan Crosbie, a PA main board director and chairman of Thomas Crosbie Holdings, owner of the Irish Examiner. The board will seek to represent publishers and broadcasters throughout Ireland. It will hold its first meeting in May.
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Since the Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended, PA’s reporters in Belfast and Dublin have concentrated on providing a general news service along with daily coverage of long-running judicial tribunals.
From May the Dublin bureau will focus on general news, tribunals, court and the Dail.
By Jon Slattery
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