RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst has confirmed to staff that a revaluation of the cost to renovate all the buildings on the Donnybrook campus is "in excess" of the "previously quoted figure of approximately €350 million".
Mr Bakhurst said in the update to staff that the revaluation had come about as part of an "ongoing review of the long-term accommodation needs of the organisation" as the broadcaster continues to evolve to ensure it is better placed to serve the evolving needs of audiences.
The cost, he said, would be in excess of a previously quoted figure of approximately €350m "we received from the last valuation", adding that it is "clear that there is no way we can find that sort of funding to invest in what are legacy buildings, as we have previously said".
Mr Bakhurst outlined how RTÉ has architects continuing to work on the development of Stage 7 [television building] to ensure that "we have a modern sustainable place to work in Donnybrook".
He said the plans will be shared with staff as soon as they are ready.
The number of staff who left through voluntary exists, retirements, and departures where the positions were closed was confirmed by Mr Bakhurst as 97.
He said there had been another "200 staff or so" who applied for the 2025 VEP who "we were unable to let leave at this time", adding that the exits are and will remain voluntary, and he confirmed the intention to open a new voluntary scheme later in 2026.
Mr Bakhurst also confirmed that financially RTÉ delivered a surplus in 2024, and that "we will do the same in 2025".
He added that public funding rose from a guaranteed €225 million in 2025, to a guaranteed €240 million in 2026, which he said the broadcaster was grateful for.
He also clarifed that this includes TV licence revenue, adding that "it is not additional".
Responding to request for further clarification on the increase in costs, RTÉ has confirmed that the rise is "inflation-related" and the plans for the site are evolving as part of the ongoing review of the long-term accommodation needs of the organisation.
The full site refurbishment is only one of several options currently being reviewed, RTÉ stated, adding that additional context and details will be shared with staff in the first instance.
