The Irish Times Group has decided to wind down the operation of its Breakingnews.ie website.
Staff were informed of the decision on Friday. The website was set up in 2000 and acquired by The Irish Times in 2018.
In a note to group employees, Garry Moroney, The Irish Times chief executive, said the decision was made against the backdrop of a changed media landscape and increased competition.
“We have spent a number of months looking carefully at the future of the business,” he said.
“Following that review, we have made the difficult decision that BreakingNews.ie will commence winding down the site in its current format. You will start to see these changes in the coming weeks and months.
“This was not an easy decision. The team has put a huge amount of work, care and commitment into the site over the years, and that contribution is very much recognised and appreciated.”
BreakingNews.ie comprised articles written by its in-house team of journalists and freelance reporters, with news sourced from The Irish Times, the Irish Examiner, along with regional titles from within the group.
Staff have been told that the website will remain in place and will redirect readers to relevant Irish Times group publications, allowing them to continue to access the group’s content.
Redeployment opportunities will be available for staff at the digital news provider. Five people worked on the website.