The BBC has delayed blocking BBC Sounds app for audiences outside the UK.

"The BBC has delayed blocking BBC Sounds app for audiences outside the UK.

It comes after a decision made by the corporation meant listeners outside the UK would only be able to access Radio 4 and the World Service via a new audio section on BBC.com.

In a statement the BBC said it is working on plans to "continue to make other BBC stations available to listeners outside the UK" adding that it "will not close BBC Sounds outside the UK until we have confirmed these plans".

Questions had been asked about what this would mean for listeners in the Republic of Ireland who would be unable to tune into BBC Radio Ulster or Radio Foyle online.

BBC added: "BBC Studios recently launched a new audio service outside the UK on BBC.com and the BBC app... as a result, the BBC plans to close BBC Sounds to audiences living outside the UK later this year."

But said that "in parallel" it is looking into stations being made available outside of the UK.

"This includes the BBC's music stations. BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 and Radio 3, 6music, 1xtra and the Asian Network, as well as the BBC stations from around the Nations and Regions, including Local Radio."

BBC added it "will prioritise countries where demand for the BBC's audio services is highest".

In a post on X, former Irish government minister Charlie Flanagan said the delay is "good news".

"Tens of thousands of people across the island of Ireland enjoy BBC Sounds daily," he said.

"UK/Ireland relations would be well served by maintaining the status quo," he added."