Broadcaster looking at other options around the city for expansion
14:07, 28 Jul 2026Updated 14:13, 28 Jul 2026
RTÉ Cork, Fr Mathew Quay
RTÉ’s Director General has assured its Cork staff that securing a new Leeside base is a “central part” of the company’s five-year plan.
Kevin Bakhurst told his staff in a statement that suggestions the broadcaster is “fearful to invest in production in Cork” are “wide of the mark.” The director said RTÉ remains committed to Cork in its strategy, and that’s not going to change.
His reassurance comes after it emerged that discussions around a potential new RTÉ lease at a landmark Cork property may have fallen through. National media outlets reported that talks between RTÉ and the City Council regarding office space at the Counting House property on South Main Street had stopped, and reported that staff were doubtful.
In his message to Cork staff, Mr Bakhurst said the broadcaster is still considering its options as it looks to move on from its old HQ on Father Mathew Street, and that he was himself on Leeside yesterday to check out some potential sites.
The RTÉ boss said it is focusing on value for money. In a statement to staff on Tuesday, he said: “The report suggests that RTÉ staff are fearful that plans to invest further in production in Cork may have fallen through. These suggestions are wide of the mark.”
“This is a significant move for the future of RTÉ, and it is important that we get the right premises,” the media executive said,
“We are only halfway through the second year of our five-year strategy, and while some projects and initiatives can be delivered in a shorter time frame, and there have been many of these, others take more time, such as finding the right premises for our Cork operations, which can accommodate our future plans.
“We are more focused on making the right decision, rather than a quick one,” he added, “RTÉ Cork remains a central part of our five-year strategy, so there is no change to that commitment, nor will there be.”
Back in 2024, RTÉ announced its aim to open a new regional studio hub in Cork as part of a major five-year plan. RTÉ is also planning to hold consultations on its studio plans in Limerick and Galway.
The new Cork facility will be used to boost TV and radio production outside Dublin. Currently, only 3% of RTÉ’s workforce is based in the Rebel County, but this is expected to change significantly over the coming years.
The famous Counting House building on South Main Street was bought by Cork City Council for €35 million. The council announced earlier this year its plans to create a ‘world-class’ new library at the former Beamish and Crawford brewery property.
The landmark mock-Tudor building was restored by developers BAM back in 2021 for use as offices and event space. Apart from a few festivals held there, the building has remained mostly vacant and closed to the public for the past number of years.