RTE has confirmed that it will stage the Eurovision Song Contest next year at a cost of around £5 million.
It is yet to be decided where the competition will be held. Dublin is believed to be the favourite choice for financial reasons, and the Point Theatre is thought to be the favoured venue because it has twice staged the coates successfully.
RTE said the decision was taken in the light of the importance of the event in broadcasting terms and because it represented economic benefit and promoted the country as a whole.
It will be RTE's fourth time to host the contest in five years and a record seventh time in all.
RTE's Assistant Director General, Mr Bob Collins, said yesterday the station was broadcasting the contest "because the public expects us to".
Speaking on RTE radio yesterday, he said. "We are very conscious that it costs money and it puts pressure on people and on our production capacity which is under pressure anyway. But we will do everything to ensure that if doesn't interfere with regular scheduling."
The station said it would seek support from Irish commercial interests, state bodies and international broadcasting companies.