Written answers
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Broadcasting Sector
Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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475. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total, in square metres, of film and television studio space in Ireland; the measures being taken to increase that space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37417/25]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is home to several world-class film studios working to the highest quality and standards. Overall, I understand that there is 29,908 square metres of studio space in the State at present, while noting the amount of studio space available changes frequently.
Studios are commercial operations and demand is high for studio space in the Dublin / Wicklow region at the moment. The new Unscripted Production Tax credit has the potential to create more demand for studio space in Ireland. It should be noted film studios, as commercial operations are precluded from receiving State Aid under EU law.
Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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476. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to outline any plans he has to introduce a regional uplift for film and television production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37418/25]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As part of Section 481 film tax relief, a regional uplift was in place from 2019 to 2023 for productions made in the regions. As it was a taxation measure, it was introduced by my colleague the Minister for Finance and any further tax incentives for regional production would be a matter for him.
Screen Ireland is the development agency for the Irish film, television and animation industry. In 2024, Screen Ireland invested over €8 million in projects, initiatives and activities that contributed to nationwide development of the sector. At least €3.7m was ring-fenced last year for planned expenditure on nationwide activity with the outturn being higher due to demand. It included a Nationwide Additional Production Fund that funded a wide range of sectoral stakeholders and events across the regions, including organisations with both a national remit and those with a regional focus. The Screen Stakeholders Scheme offers programme funding for a broad range of learning and development courses, programmes and initiatives.
The National Talent Academies Network, established in 2021, develops a highly skilled, diverse talent and crew base throughout the country, offering a wide range of activities for the Irish screen industry including courses, programmes, mentoring and shadowing opportunities. Addressing innovation, skills development and sectoral growth, the Talent Academies are the result of additional stimulus investment provided by me as Minister and forms part of a wider strategy to support skills development across all regions of Ireland.
In Gaeltacht areas, Screen Ireland, TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta work in partnership with Irish language production companies to continue to foster Irish language film and TV production. Irish language film is in a new era, thanks to the success of films like An Cailín Ciúin. Further implementation of the coordinated strategy to grow the Irish screen industry nationwide, both economically and culturally, will involve all stakeholders continuing to work in partnership.
'Smaointe', the Irish language Slate Scheme valued at €1m is now live with a closing date of 31st July 2025 for applications.
A thriving audiovisual sector requires a balance between domestic and incoming international production. Screen Ireland adopts a dual approach to sectoral development to provide strong funding levels for local, independent, Irish filmmaking and TV drama production, while also attracting large-scale, international productions to the country. Screen Ireland recognises the importance of continuing to support existing production hubs, while encouraging the development of emerging hubs so that new opportunities for local and international production can take place across Ireland, bringing the cultural and economic benefits to the entire country.
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