At 10am this morning the analogue TV signal was switched off and viewers nationally are now only be able to watch television if they have upgraded their television or bought a new one capable of receiving digital signals.

The sectors identified as most vulnerable to losing their television signal from today because they have not made the switch are older people, people living in isolated rural areas, the poor and those living alone.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul said that while the cost of purchasing a digital television or set-top box has not emerged as a significant issue, it is expecting pleas for help with the cost from today.

Eamonn Timmins, advocacy officer with Age Action Ireland says that while the Saorview digital service is free once the set-top box has been bought and installed but the cost, at between €50 and €200, is quite prohibitive if you are relying on the State pension.

Mayo Community TV had been the body responsible for many years in securing the 4 UK TV channels to viewers across western counties.

Joe Gibbons of Mayo community TV paid a tribute today to the late Jimmy Langan of Laragan Balla,  who is being waked from his family home today.

Jimmy provided the site for a Mayo Community TV Tranmitter for more than 30 years.