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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Rachel Curran

RTE Room To Improve viewers shocked as Dermot Bannon calls this week's budget 'tiny'

This week's RTE Room To Improve left viewers unimpressed with Dermot Bannon after a remark he made about the budget.

The Dublin architect travelled to Thurles in Co. Tipperary where he met with lovely couple Jim and Mary Moloney.

The pair sat with Dermot and described their dream home, wanting to connect their kitchen with the outdoor space and garden. They also wanted a deep retrofit to bring their bungalow into the 21st century.

Read more: RTE Room to Improve viewers left confused as footage missing of house

The couple started with a max spend of between €140,00 to €150,000, however Dermot said the "tiny" budget would not cover the couple's requirements.

Jim and Mary were quoted €130,000 for the basic upgrading of the house, however they would need a lot more cash to create an open plan living area that would connect with their garden. After being given some options from Dermot, the budget was increased to €210,000.

However, viewers were shocked that €150,000 wasn't enough money to do up the old bungalow, especially as there was no extension required.

One woman wrote on Twitter: "Kinda mind-blowing that €150k is considered a tiny budget."

Another Twitter users said: "Tiny?? €140k?? Jaysus Dermot. I'd love to upgrade my old stone cottage. Budget: €15k. THAT'S a tiny budget."

One more wrote: "It's very ignorant and condescending for Dermot to say 'tiny budget'. They probably worked extremely hard for years to save that money."

Room To Improve home in Thurles (RTE)

Thanks to the help of QS Clare, the couple managed to get under budget and spent €200,000 on the upgrade of their home. They also qualified for a grant which covered the cost of the retrofit.

Room To Improve continues next week on RTE One at 9.30pm on Sunday night.

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Read more: RTE Room To Improve viewers tell Dermot Bannon 'there is nothing wrong' with this common house feature

Read more: RTE Room to Improve star Dermot Bannon reveals 'horrendous' Instagram message sent by one viewer

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