RTÉ has announced a shake-up at 2FM, with Marty Whelan returning as a breakfast presenter.
The State-owned broadcaster has decided to scrap an existing show hosted by Ruth Scott and Rick O'Shea which has been running from 7-9am for the past few months. A new show hosted by Whelan will take its place.
Scott and O'Shea took over the breakfast slot after Ryan Tubridy decided to pursue other projects within RTÉ. He is now hosting a morning show on RTÉ Radio One.
Reaction from other stations was critical. Kieran McGeary, chief executive of regional station Beat 102-103, said moving Whelan to the breakfast show signalled "the death knell for youth radio on a national basis in this country".
"While Rick and Ruth clearly weren't breakfast material, 2FM's bosses have surpassed themselves with this move.
"For the flagship programme on a station aimed at 15 to 34-year-olds to be fronted by the former presenter of Open House defies belief. Marty is an excellent presenter and I have no doubt he will pull in a large audience, but they won't be in the station's target market."
However, John Clarke, head of 2FM, said: "Marty is a proven top talent, and I am delighted that he is working for the station. He adds further strength to a very competitive daytime schedule."
Ruth Scott will now anchor a weekday show from 4-6pm, while Rick O'Shea is moving back to a night-time slot.