RTé has admitted making a serious blunder after an RTÉ.ie news bulletin on the conflict between Georgia and Russia used a map of the US state of Georgia instead.

An RTÉ spokeswoman said: "There was an incorrect map displayed on the RTÉ website last night of Georgia. The problem was identified as a human error and occurred online. It was rectified within the hour."

The mistake occurs amid a recent string of criticisms for errors on the website from users. The slip-up is sure to be of embarrassment to the broadcaster due to the high profile nature of the article.