Ireland’s television licence system is facing another sharp decline in income, with revenue down €5.7 million in the first nine months of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The figures are the latest sign of pressure on a funding model that supports RTÉ and other public service media services.
TV licence sales fall by 6% in 2026
Figures supplied by Minister for Media Patrick O’Donovan show that 536,551 television licences were sold between January and the end of September. That is 35,748 fewer licences than during the corresponding period last year, representing a fall of approximately 6 per cent.
The figures were provided to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly in response to a written Dáil question. They show that television licence income reached €85.86 million during the first nine months of 2026, compared with €91.56 million over the same period in 2025.
- 536,551 licences were sold in the first nine months of 2026.
- Licence sales were down 35,748 year on year.
- Revenue fell by €5.7 million compared with the same period in 2025.
- The annual licence costs €160.
- Projected 2026 revenue is approximately €114.46 million.
Projected annual income could fall to €114.46 million
Based on the first nine months of the year, officials estimate that 715,401 television licences could be sold across 2026. That would generate about €114.46 million in revenue.
The projection would represent an €8.5 million decrease on the €122.98 million raised from 768,657 licences in 2025. It would also mark a much larger decline compared with 2022, when approximately 792,000 licences generated €151.66 million.
On that comparison, projected 2026 revenue would be €37.2 million below the level recorded before the RTÉ payments controversy that emerged in 2023.
Why the television licence model is under pressure
The fall in revenue follows several challenges facing the traditional television licence system. The controversy surrounding payments at RTÉ damaged public confidence, while changing household habits have reduced the number of homes that own a television set.
An ageing population is also affecting the system. The number of households eligible for a free television licence is increasing by between 13,000 and 20,000 each year, further narrowing the pool of paying households.
The current licence costs €160 and is collected by An Post. Revenue is paid into the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, which allocates most of the funds to public service media.
How the licence money is distributed
- Approximately 85 per cent goes to RTÉ for public service media commitments.
- About 7 per cent is allocated to Coimisiún na Meán.
- An Post receives approximately 6 per cent for collection and administration.
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Government examining reform options
The Government agreed in July 2024 to retain the television licence system while introducing measures intended to improve compliance and revenue collection. An interdepartmental technical working group was subsequently reconvened to examine administrative, technical and legislative reforms.
Minister O’Donovan said the group submitted its report before the summer recess. He intends to bring the report to Government for consideration, but said its contents would not be disclosed before ministers decide on the next steps.
The timing matters for Ireland’s public service media. A lower licence take-up means less money is available through the existing model, creating pressure on the Government to decide whether reform can restore revenue or whether a different funding mechanism is needed.
What RTÉ and political critics have said
Aidan Farrelly, who sits on the Public Accounts Committee, described the system as fundamentally broken and called for full reform. He said he plans to examine the issue with RTÉ and the relevant department when they appear before the committee.
RTÉ said that clarification on public service media funding is vital, but that questions about the funding mechanism are matters for the Government.
What happens next?
The immediate next step is a Government decision on the technical working group’s report. That decision is expected to determine whether the existing licence model will be strengthened through improved enforcement and administration, or whether wider changes will be considered.
For households, the key point is that the €160 charge remains in place unless the Government announces a change. The latest figures do not themselves alter the legal requirement to hold a licence where one is required.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Irish television licence cost?
The television licence costs €160.
How many licences were sold in the first nine months of 2026?
A total of 536,551 licences were sold between January and September 2026.
How much revenue could the licence generate this year?
Based on the figures available, projected 2026 revenue is approximately €114.46 million.
Who receives the licence revenue?
The money is collected by An Post and transferred to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Approximately 85 per cent is provided to RTÉ, with allocations also made to Coimisiún na Meán and An Post.
Conclusion
The latest television licence figures show that Ireland’s existing funding model is losing income at a time when public service media remains dependent on it. With projected revenue down sharply from 2022 and the Government considering reform proposals, the future of the licence system is now a major issue in Ireland News and Irish politics. The clearest takeaway is that a decision on reform is becoming increasingly difficult to postpone.
