RTÉ may sell part of Donnybrook campus amid declining licence revenue | BreakingNews.ie

RTÉ is exploring the possibility of selling off part of its Donnybrook campus to raise revenue.

Director general Kevin Bakhurst is among representatives of the national broadcaster due before the Public Accounts Committee this morning.

Mr Bakhurst will tell the committee that a complete sale of its site in Donnybrook – which had been suggested – is unlikely at this point.

He will tell the PAC that short-term cash reserves are ‘solid’ but will reiterate the plea for a reform of the public service broadcasting funding model.

He will add that RTÉ is managing the finances “carefully” amid a fall in TV licence fee funding. Media Minister Catherine Martin has revealed the Government is only willing to pay €40 million of this shortfall, meaning RTÉ will have to find a way to save €21 million.

Minister Martin confirmed the State’s New Economy and Recovery Authority – known as NewERA – found a €21 million drop in licence fee payments this year, while a further €40 million loss is expected next year.

RTÉ representatives are due before the committee at 9.30am.