RTÉ has announced a 10 – 15 year plan for the redevelopment of its Donnybrook site, replacing the current 1960/70’s era buildings with a purpose-built modern building complex “designed for the digital and High-Definition age”.
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.
Project 2025, a redevelopment proposal, that is the result of detailed analysis and planning carried out since 2002, has been discussed with local members of the city council in advance of the review of all council area land zonings that begins in October.
Subject to planning approval, the phased development is intended to begin with new high definition (HD), digital TV and new digital Radio studios and to culminate in a wing incorporating further production areas, rehearsal and performance spaces and staff offices. The plan has evolved through a full review of all options for the renewal of RTÉ’s production base and capital facilities.
Speaking on Monday, September 28th RTÉ Director General, Cathal Goan said “Rapid change in production and broadcast technology obliges us to plan and provide for the future. Clearly this is not an ideal time to be announcing a large proposed construction project. But to remain competitive and to continue to give Irish viewers, listeners and web users the best possible services, we have to invest in new facilities built for the digital age.
RTÉ has considered carefully the best way to upgrade and develop our broadcast production and transmission facilities while continuing to stay on air. We are confident that the most cost effective, sustainable and technically robust option available is to re-configure our existing site and incorporate all facilities into a single new building. This proposal clearly sets out RTÉ’s intention to remain a key provider of multi-media services to the Irish public for many years to come.”
Given the planning process and the current prevailing economic conditions RTÉ does not anticipate that any construction work on the site could start before 2012. Discussion will take place with local residents’ groups as an integral part of the planning process.
RTÉ will make an application for a 10-year planning consent for the new building development on Friday 9 October.
