Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)

I will also speak in support of the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025, a Bill that increases the amount Screen Ireland can invest, loan or guarantee to support films, TV and digital productions. It is a straightforward amendment but an important one. It will allow the sector to grow, create more jobs and to support more Irish stories on screen.

The screen industry is often judged in terms of glamorous shining lights, red carpets and ceremonies but the real impact we all feel in Ireland is with the ordinary people on the ground - the crew members, the small businesses that benefit from these, the writers, actors, technicians, hotels, drivers, catering carts and many more small businesses. In recent years, investment in the Irish screen industry has developed a very strong economic return and that money has gone into local jobs and local businesses, which is good for us all. In the west, across Roscommon, Galway and surrounding counties, we are already seeing huge benefit from this investment. The Minister of State mentioned “Obituary”, which was filmed in Ballyshannon in Donegal, a town that very much needs that investment. A derelict building was used for much of the production, too. It is great to see that. Regional funds and supports have helped attract production to many areas and created jobs and confidence across the sector. I will highlight two films. One, which I saw recently, is “Ann”, a 2022 film that dramatised the real life story of Ann Lovett, a 15-year-old girl who died in childbirth in a grotto in Granard in Longford in 1984.That film was produced in Boyle in County Roscommon and it highlighted a story that really shook the nation. In the same year, another horror movie, "The Cellar", was produced in Castlerea in Roscommon. It was shot at Clonalis House, the home of the O'Connors in Roscommon and the last High King of Ireland. These two productions were not supported by Screen Ireland. I hope, with the additional investment, that the next time we are talking about this, we will talk about films that were produced in Roscommon and supported by this funding.

I also highlight important work that is happening in the western region. I mention a project in Ballaghaderreen, An Bealach, where there is a plan to develop a state-of-the-art extended reality, or XR, studio and digital innovation hub. The project already has planning permission. Those behind it have a clear vision and there is strong community backing for a facility like this. The aim is to create a modern space where film, TV, digital production, virtual reality and training can come together. This could mean lots of new jobs, new skills for young people and new investment right in the heart of our region. I compliment the community down there and the committee of An Bealach, John Higgins, Councillor Micheál Frain, and the Western Development Commission and Roscommon County Council for supporting that particular project.

We have already seen and heard what Irish stories can achieve. We only need to look at "An Cailín Ciúin", a small Irish film that reached audiences across the world. Who is to say that the next great Irish success cannot come from Roscommon-Galway with the additional regional balance of investment? If we invest in talent and facilities, there is no limit to what can be achieved across our regions.

I support this Bill. It strengthens the creative economy and gives Ireland the ability to invest in more projects. I would like to see regional balance. The funding should not be Dublin-focused solely but must support talent and projects across the country. We should connect Screen Ireland with more local initiatives such as An Bealach, so that new studios and training centres become part of our national production network. We should use this moment to build long-term careers in the west and around rural Ireland, especially for young people who want to work in digital and creative industries.

The Bill gives us a chance to grow the Irish screen sector in a balanced way, supporting jobs, creativity and regional development. Roscommon-Galway has the talent, ambition and community spirit, as is clear from the two projects I mentioned. With projects like An Bealach moving forward, we are ready to take the opportunity of any additional investment that Screen Ireland gets. I welcome and support the Bill. I thank the Minister of State.