The meteorologists who were replaced by younger presenters for RTE television weather bulletins are likely to return to the screen within two weeks, The Irish Times has learned.
Sources have confirmed that negotiations between RTE and Met Eireann are nearing completion, and the national weather service is expected to agree a deal that falls somewhat short of its preferred outcome.
The new arrangement, to be finalised at meetings today and tomorrow, means that RTE1 weather bulletins will feature a mix of meteorologists and the new presenters. Met Eireann personnel will take over the main weather bulletins at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. in addition to presenting the farming bulletin at the weekend.
The new presenters, Neasa Curran, Brian Cummins and Nuala Carey, will continue to present the 1 p.m. weather as well as some of the extra weather slots being added to the schedule. Both sets of presenters will appear on Network 2.
The deal is also thought to involve a bigger pool of meteorologists than previously used by RTE, but they will be phased in over a number of months.
The first of these will return within two weeks of the deal being formally agreed.