RTÉ has confirmed its comedy sketch show, ‘Republic of Telly’, is being axed after eight years on air.

A spokesperson for the broadcaster says the show is not returning for a new season.

“After 15 seasons of ‘Republic of Telly’, RTÉ has made the decision not to recommission the series”.

It is understood the high cost of producing the show was behind the decision.

The broadcaster says it is “actively looking” for a suitable replacement for the show.

The spokesperson adds "(RTÉ is) looking at a number of new comedy and entertainment series for RTÉ2 for broadcast later this year which we'll announce over the coming months."

Republic of Telly was first broadcast in 2009 and helped to launch the careers of some well-known comedy acts including, Damo & Ivor, Jennifer Zamparelli, Dermot Whelan, Al Porter and Bernard O'Shea.

Irish comedy hip-hop duo The Rubberbandits also created several sketches for the show.

Adrian Lynch, channel controller at RTÉ One and RTÉ2, paid tribute to those involved.

"Republic of Telly has been a brilliant vehicle for developing talent both on and off-screen, from Damo & Ivor to Bridget and Eamon and The Rubberbandits, and broke the mould in how it engaged with viewers and brought Irish comedy acts to a wider audience", he said.