The 2FM presenter said he was 'absolutely delighted' with the deal. His radio show is set to enter its 18th year on the air and Ryan Confidential, his series of high-profile interviews has been a big success for RTE Television.

RTE's head of television said plans were underway for new series featuring Ryan in the coming months.

The announcement comes at a vital time for RTE, with the sale of Today FM to Communicorps and the introduction of a new independent national service aimed at over-45s likely to put even greater pressure on Montrose over the coming year.

Ryan would have been a likely target for any new national station, but will now remain with RTE for the forseeable future.