RTÉ defers decision to move Lyric FM studio from Limerick

RTÉ has deferred its decision regarding the relocation of its Lyric FM studios away from Limerick.

The deferral comes after a request by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who stated in the Dáil that RTÉ should postpone its decision pending the outcome of a new Commission on the Future of Irish Public Service Broadcasting, which will make its recommendations next September. In a note to staff, RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes said the broadcaster would willingly comply with Varadkar's suggestion.

Forbes stressed the importance that RTÉ respond to the request quickly due to the "persistent public discussion" on Lyric FM over the past few months among families of staff. She added that the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has been made aware of the status of the studio.

"The changes we now need to make will be instrumental in ensuring that future generations too will have a public service media to be proud of, which is why we will continue this fight to sustain a viable public media for Ireland," Forbes said.

Hot Press writer Ian Wilson offered his own solution last month, suggesting a move to Cork. Check out his full article on the RTÉ crisis here.

"[T]he fact is that RTÉ has two large and less than fully utilised studios in Limerick and Cork, with all the costs associated with bricks and mortar premises. It is a no-brainer to close the smaller one and combine the production facilities, leaving a compact regional news operation in Limerick."