RTÉ at critical turning point but TG4 has 'adapted effectively' minister to tell Cabinet

Coimisiún na Meán has recommended increases in funding to help both organisations meet their public service obligations

Media minister Patrick O'Donovan is bringing a memo to Cabinet about Coimisiún na Meán's completion of its statutory five-year review of funding for RTÉ and TG4. 

RTÉ remains at a critical turning point, requiring stable funding and successful organisational reform, Cabinet will be told today, Tuesday.

Media minister Patrick O'Donovan will bring a memo to Cabinet to inform ministers that media watchdog Coimisiún na Meán has completed its statutory five-year review of funding for RTÉ and TG4 and recommended increases to help both organisations meet their public service obligations.

It is understood that the report says that Ireland’s public service media faces "severe structural challenges: Declining broadcast audiences, ageing viewership, global competition, and rising digital expectations".

Contrast between TG4 and RTÉ

While TG4 has "adapted effectively with expanded youth and digital services", RTÉ remains at a critical point. 

The report says that public funding now sits "at or below international norms, raising questions about long-term sustainability without strategic investment and reform".

The Government has already announced significant multi-annual funding uplifts for 2025–2027, including raising the funding of RTÉ to €240m in 2026 and €260m in 2027, and increasing the funding of TG4 to €65.4m in 2026.

The memo does not allocate any new money but confirms the Government's intention to consider 2027 funding "in line with available budget resources".

The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, the general scheme of which was agreed earlier this year, replaces the old five-year cycle with a three-year performance and funding assessment overseen by Coimisiún na Meán.

Ryder Cup in Adare

Mr O'Donovan will also tell ministers that Ireland is "progressing major preparations" for hosting the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare, backed by a €58m Government investment.

Updated 2024 analysis shows the event could generate €95m–€220m in economic benefits.

Martin Fraser, Ireland's ambassador to the UK, who was recently appointed as the next ambassador to the UN, is chairing steering groups on the 2026 Ryder Cup and The Open. File picture

A Government steering group, chaired by Martin Fraser — Ireland's ambassador to the UK, who was recently appointed as the next ambassador to the United Nations — is working across transport, security, on-course operations, and council-led planning.

Meanwhile a "major legacy programme" is underway, including multi-annual funding for golf participation in schools, a new small-scale golf infrastructure fund, as well as local benefits such as the Adare Bypass, rail improvements, and planned upgrades in Adare.

Mr O'Donovan will also tell ministers that Government approval remains in place for the holding of The Open at Portmarnock. 

A steering group — also chaired by Mr Fraser — has begun work. 

However, sources said that "key feasibility and infrastructure questions must be resolved before a final recommendation in early 2026".