NTL Ireland said yesterday it is negotiating a deal with BSkyB that would enable it to offer Irish consumers access to an extra six channels on its digital platform.

These include BSkyB's music channels, The Amp, Flaunt and Scuzz, which were launched recently to boost the satellite broadcaster's content business.

Sky Travel, Sky One Mix and Sky Travel Extra are the three other BSkyB channels that could form part of any future contract.

British subscribers to NTL's digital cable service will be able to view the new channels from late July following a separate content deal announced yesterday.

Under the three-and-a-half-year deal, NTL will also save on the amount it pays to BSkyB for access to its basic television channels Sky One and Sky News.

NTL Ireland will probably not be in a position to offer the channels from July because it negotiates separately with BSkyB for access to its programming.

However, an NTL spokesman said the firm expected to be able offer the channels to its Irish customers following discussions with BSkyB. However, he declined to offer a likely timeframe for conclusion of the programming talks.

NTL, which has about 360,000 subscribers in Dublin, Galway and Waterford, concluded a new contract for access to BSkyB's basic channels last January. It also negotiates contracts with BSkyB to offer the satellite firm's premium sports and video packages on its cable network in the Republic.

A Sky Ireland spokeswoman said the company would be happy to discuss the carriage of additional channels with NTL.