RTÉ Cork takes step towards new One Albert Quay home as broadcaster plans relocation

The broadcaster is negotiating with the owner of a ground-floor premises as it plans an expanded Cork production centre

The existing Fr Mathew Street facility, which opened more than 30 years ago, is regarded as obsolete. File picture: Larry Cummins

RTÉ Cork has moved a step closer to securing a new city centre home, with the broadcaster carrying out due diligence on a potential premises.

Last year, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst said the Cork operation was expected to relocate from its Fr Mathew Street base to a more central location by 2027, alongside an expansion of its current workforce of about 50 staff.

The existing Fr Mathew Street facility, which opened more than 30 years ago, is regarded as obsolete.

In a letter to staff sent on Monday, Mr Bakhurst confirmed that RTÉ had “sourced a property on the ground floor of One Albert Quay in Cork City” and was in negotiations with the property owner.

“As part of the process to get this right, an initial process to develop an internal layout design will start shortly which will involve discussion with staff and input from internal stakeholders to ensure the design is aligned with our overall strategy, as well as with local production requirements,” Mr Bakhurst said.

It is understood the State broadcaster had previously looked at the One Albert Quay premises, as well as the former Apple offices on Half Moon St.

Discussions broke down earlier this year between the State broadcaster and Cork City Council about the possibility of leasing the upstairs portion of the Counting House complex on South Main St.

RTÉ has had a presence in Cork since 1927. Its studios on Fr Mathew St were opened in 1995, and had been put briefly on the market in 2024. At the time the building was valued at around €2m.

In RTÉ's five-year strategy for 2025-2029, the broadcaster committed to investing in a new, expanded production centre in Cork.

Mr Bakhurst’s letter did not set out a timeframe for the move.