RTE to sell part of Donnybrook site

RTÉ has decided to sell of part of its Donnybrook site, it emerged last week.

The broadcaster told staff that the sale would help to “reshape and reinvest in the organisation”.

“Serious consideration has been given to the best options for the redevelopment of the Donnybrook campus for some time,” the statements adds.

And it has been decided to sell off “a portion of under-utilised land on our Donnybrook site, west of the radio centre.

“While the exact timings around the sales process and final details of the land to be sold are still being finalised and are commercially sensitive, RTÉ can confirm our intention to sell in the first half of 2017,” the statement reads.

“Savills have been appointed to manage the sale, following a public procurement process.

 “While the sale of this underutilised land will not solve all RTÉ’s financial challenges, it will provide us with means to reshape and reinvest in the organisation.

“Together with the 5-year strategy that is in development, this will enable us to continue to meet the changing needs of audiences.”

Meanwhile, a major development is being planned at the site of the Tivoli Theatre on Francis Street.

The proposal includes demolition of the theatre building and construction of a five-storey, 298-unit apart hotel on the site.

The Dublin City Planning and Development Group, which includes some residents from the immediate area, met recently to discuss this development.

“An urban planner was in attendance who was able to answer our questions and advise us on our objections,” said Cllr Tina McVeigh of the People Before Profit Alliance.

“We have come to the conclusion that a development of this nature and size, considering the transient nature of residents at an apart hotel, is not desirable.

“A number of objections have been drafted and will be submitted.”

According to Cllr McVeigh, the building represents one of the few remaining urban theatres that has a long and illustrious history.

“It should be seen in the context of what the Liberties is – a vibrant residential area with a creative core,” she added.

“The character of Francis Street is known as a historic shopping and residential street.

“This has, in the past number of years, suffered due to poor planning.

“We wish to state that should any permission be granted on this site that the strongest levels of conditions relating to consultation and monitoring with the surrounding community be included.”