The entire team of RTÉ Nuacht celebrated its relocation from Donnybrook to the TG4 studios in Baile na hAbhann, following a significant investment into revamping the TG4 headquarters. A total of 42 staff are involved in the relocation with three new positions created. The Irish language news programme will now benefit from a more extensive schedule and an increased amount of air-time.
The extended RTÉ Nuacht will have a new broadcast time of 5.45 pm and will be aired seven days a week. Nuacht RTÉ will, however, retain a bureau at Donnybrook, and Nuacht on RTÉ radio will continue to be broadcast from the Dublin based radio centre.
A dedicated team of technicians and trainers have been on site in Baile na hAbhann over the past few months to ensure that all the Nuacht journalists are fully trained in the new technical infrastructure.
An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, along with all party leaders, has welcomed the launch of the new RTE Nuacht service from the TG4 Headquarters and in a message to staff, Mr Cowen said,relocation to the Connemara Gaeltacht would be a great challenge but a significant development. Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said that it was “a most sensible decentralisation development and a natural headquarters for the RTE Nuacht service”.
Michael Lally, Chief News Editor of Nuacht said: “Moving the Nuacht TV service to Baile na hAbhann is indeed a historic development as it is the first time that RTÉ has moved part of its core service out of Dublin. It is a very exciting time for all of us involved” .
