Green Light For RTÉ Donnybrook Project

Dublin councillors have backed RTÉ's plans to develop its Donnybrook campus.

Ireland's national broadcaster has proposed demolishing existing facilities at the site and rebuilding three interconnected blocks by 2025.

South East Area Committee councillors recognised the need for redevelopment, and welcomed the broadcaster's long-term commitment to the Donnybrook area.

Some concerns were raised over the height of buildings detailed in the scheme, one of which will stretch to nine storeys high.


Councillors also noted the lack of community gain.

RTÉ will be responsible for the construction of a new entrance onto the N11 Stillorgan dual carriageway as part of the scheme.

Last month, it emerged that the €360m redevelopment of the RTÉ Montrose site would be funded mainly through borrowing and the rental of offices and residences at the broadcasting hub.

The national broadcaster had earlier unveiled the ambitious 15-year plan to put in place what it said would be "the modern facilities necessary for the digital age".

The existing Donnybrook studios are expected to be flattened in late 2011 as the work gets underway.

See: RTÉ 'Borrow' Cash For Revamp

(PR/BMcC)