€20m RTÉ funding cut threatens Cork move to One Albert Quay

RTÉ staff in Cork say a €20 million reduction in the broadcaster’s 2027 funding could jeopardise plans to relocate from the ageing Fr Mathew Street premises to a new site at One Albert Quay.

Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan announced on Wednesday that the 2027 allocation will be €240 million, €20 million less than the €260 million agreed under the multi‑annual €848 million funding deal. He said the cut reflected dissatisfaction with the pace of reform at RTÉ, stating he was “not happy that we have seen sufficient progress in delivering the smaller, more agile organisation”.

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst rejected the criticism, claiming the broadcaster had implemented almost all required cuts and that the “late stage” reduction was unexpected and would “inevitably impact on our ability to deliver our five‑year strategy”.

Cork staff concerns

More than 50 RTÉ employees in Cork, who were told last month that a property on the ground floor of One Albert Quay had been sourced, fear the funding shortfall could halt the move. The current Fr Mathew Street studio, opened in 1995, is described as “crumbling” and unsuitable for modern, high‑turnover productions such as the Today show. NUJ sub‑branch chair Trevor Keegan said staff have “serious concerns” about the future of the relocation.

Fianna Fáil TD Seámus McGrath (Cork South Central) called the public dispute “unedifying” and said the Public Accounts Committee will invite RTÉ and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport to appear before it to clarify the reasons for the cut.

Following a meeting between Bakhurst, RTÉ chair Terence O’Rourke and Minister O’Donovan, the broadcaster said the discussion was “very positive” and that work will continue to find a resolution.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Michael Fischer / Pexels.