RTÉ has announced long-term plans for the redevelopment of its site in Donnybrook, Dublin.
The 1960s and 1970s buildings on the site will be replaced with a purpose-built modern building complex designed with digital and high-definition technology in mind.
RTÉ needs to invest in new digital broadcast production and transmission facilities in order to move fully from analogue to digital and to provide for high-definition delivery. Housing these new technologies in the current buildings on the site is not feasible.
RTÉ does not anticipate that any construction work on the site could start before 2012. The current buildings will be gradually replaced over a 10 to 15 year period.
The national broadcaster said discussion would take place with local residents' groups as a part of the planning process.
RTÉ's head of communications, Kevin Dawson, said the TV licence fee will not be used to finance the project. It will be paid for out of reserves, capital investment funds and borrowings.
The timing of RTÉ's announcement has been determined by Dublin City Council's planned preparation and consideration of a new Dublin City Development Plan. This requires that RTÉ, in common with other major landowners in the city, present its long-term observations at this time.
