Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Ardmore Studios is a commercial entity, owned 68.33% by private interests and 31.67% by the State. The State’s shareholding is managed by Enterprise Ireland. As a passive investor, EI has no enterprise development role in Ardmore or any involvement in its day-to-day operations.

The sale of the Ardmore Studios is a commercial decision by the owners of the Studios.  Ardmore Studios is being placed on the market for sale as a going concern.  Enterprise Ireland remains engaged with the other shareholders and their representatives.

Enterprise Ireland has not placed any preconditions on the pending sale of Ardmore Studios due to the existence of planning restrictions on the site which safeguard its use as a film making studio into the future. Wicklow County Council have confirmed that they agree to maintain the ‘film only’ zoning as a matter of policy.

At the appropriate time, any proposal requiring a decision on the sale of Enterprise Ireland’s shareholding will be reviewed by Enterprise Ireland from a commercial and legal perspective in consultation with me as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

While Enterprise Ireland offers supports to exporting companies involved in film and the creative sector, policy responsibility for the development of the film industry rests with my colleague, Ms Heather Humphreys, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. I will consult Minister Humphreys on any decision regarding the ownership of Enterprise Ireland’s shareholding.

I recognise the value of the film sector to County Wicklow and as such, the Mid East Regional Action Plan for Jobs has a number of Actions to further support the film sector, including:

- a feasibility study and business plan for the development of a Film Industry Cluster in the county

- piloting a one day workshop in film industry related training

- building on the success of the film sector by providing supports and incentives, and developing ancillary services

- the provision of film industry related training programmes in partnership with 3rd level institutions.