Joe Costello begins damages action against RTÉ over defamation defence

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Former Labour Party TD Joe Costello has begun a damages action against RTÉ in the High Court, reported on 14 April 2026, over how it defended a defamation case. The case arose from comments made during a 2015 RTÉ Radio One programme involving former Sinn Féin councillor Nicky Kehoe.

Costello says RTÉ blamed him without notifying him or giving him an opportunity to respond, and he seeks damages and declarations concerning fair procedures, reputation and civil-liability legislation. RTÉ and the State deny his claims. The action is before Ms Justice Siobhán Stack and is expected to last about three days.