Cash-strapped RTE splashed out just over €80,000 on their new season launch event this year, we can reveal.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed the national broadcaster spent a total of €82,060 hiring out a room at the RDS to launch their autumn/winter TV schedule in August.
A total of €67,875 was spent on the venue hire and set design for the annual programming event, while a further €5,039 was spent on catering costs for RTE stars and clients.
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The FOI reveals that €2,312 was spent on taxis and transport to and from the event, while €870 was spent on hair and makeup to get stars ready for the big day.
The FOI also shows that €4,596 was spent on “production services”, while €1,249 was spent on photography for the day.
A further €119 was spent on “sundries”, according to the FOI.
The event saw RTE stars Ryan Tubridy, Dermot Bannon, Kin star Charlie Cox, Marty Morrissey, Brian Dowling, Arthur Gourounlian and Nina Carberry all attend the new season launch in August.
The new schedule announced a raft of new drama and entertainment for the winter months, including the return of Dancing With The Stars in January and The Tommy Tiernan Show as well as crime hit Kin.
Also included in the line-up is TV presenter Brian Dowling and Dancing With The Star’s judge Arthur Gourounlian documentary, A Very Modern Irish Family – Brian and Arthur’s Surrogacy Story, which follows their journey having their baby girl via surrogacy through Brian’s sister Aoife.
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