The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D. has formally opened RTÉ's new London office and studio in the Westminster area of the British capital.
The ceremony was attended by over one hundred guests that included RTÉ's Director General, Cathal Goan; Ireland's Ambassador to Britain, Daithi O'Ceallaigh and the British Ambassador to Ireland, Stuart Eldon, together with Managing Director of News, Ed Mulhall and RTÉ's Commercial Director, RTÉ Television, Geraldine O'Leary.
The new RTÉ Sales and News office and a state-of-the-art radio and television studio are located at 4, Millbank, and are in a building shared with many other broadcasters including the BBC, Sky, ITV News and Channel 4.
Speaking at the launch, the Taoiseach said: "The challenge for public service broadcasters is to keep listeners' and viewers' passions and concerns to the forefront. I hope that these extra facilities will make it that bit easier to bring the stories of the day to television screens and radio sets across Ireland."
RTÉ's Director General, Cathal Goan also said: "Political understanding is key to the relationship with our nearest neighbour, as is an emphasis on commercial progress. Our ability to give informed insights into British events and to trade in a highly competitive media market has been streamlined very effectively in this operation. RTÉ will maximise use of its new London base."
