In an email to staff, Mr Bakhurst states that while "we have no specific plans as of yet," the organisation will begin to invite 'expressions of interest' in the coming weeks.
The Director General added that as previously mentioned, production will have to move off the existing site in "the next year or so to allow for building works on the land sold to Cairns in 2017".
In June, the Director General told a meeting of staff that the production of programmes including 'Fair City' and 'The Late Late Show', was to move off site over the next five years. However in the update today, he said that in terms of 'The Late Late Show', they are just starting to consider options.
He added that they do not expect to make any decision, or have an update in the short term on any move for that show.
Mr Bakhurst also confirmed that he expects the launch of the VEP (Voluntary Exit Package) this year. He said that they have provided the Department with all of the detail asked to date, and they "hope" to hear back soon.
This relates to the first phase of VEP, involving 40 people, and it was previously confirmed that in terms of staffing in the longer term, a 20% cut - 400 employees – will take place through a voluntary programme likely to cost around €50 million.
Today's update from Mr Bakhurst also discussed the Cork studios, with the Director General stating that they are looking to put the studios on Father Mathew Street up for sale, and are actively looking at alternative potential sites.
He added that while the process may take some time, they are moving ahead with those plans.
The Director General also confirmed that the next Townhall meeting with staff, will take place in person in October. This follows criticism that the last townhall meeting had been proposed as an online "Teams" meeting only.
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