Audiovisual Ireland

Industry Impact

The film, TV and animation sector is estimated to be worth over €692 million, comprising 11,960 jobs by way of direct, indirect and induced employment across the economy.

The screen industry is central to the creative industries and is a key part of national cultural life, enhancing Ireland’s global reputation and ‘soft’ power. It makes a major contribution in several key areas as follows:

• Economic impact - direct spend, indirect and induced spend in the economy, taxes, regional development, export earnings (FDI via inward production investment) and boosting tourism

• Cultural/social impact - audiences (local and international), community, debate, diversity, An Ghaeilge, identity, inclusion, representation, music and stories

• Industry development impact - high quality skilled employment, careers, skills development, and studio investment

• It is a world class industry that makes a significant cultural impact around the world as evidenced by a host of international awards including 31 Academy Award nominations since 2010. 
  
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Current Priorities

• Digital Piracy: Allocate additional resources to An Garda Síochána to combat digital piracy through investigation and prosecution.

• Irish language content: Promote the development, production, and delivery of Irish-language content to showcase Irish culture and heritage.

• Public Service Broadcasting: Reform the funding of public service media and content production to fully address the needs of Irish audiences in the current media and audiovisual production and distribution landscape.

• Regional Production and Skills Development: Invest more in regional skills development and production, including interim funding to bridge the gap until new regionally focused Section 481 measures are developed.

• Screen Ireland Funding: Continue increasing Screen Ireland's current and capital funding to support Irish creative talent and attract inward production investment, benchmarking against similar agencies in other countries.

• Tax Incentives:
  • Conduct a study to explore introducing a Section 481 tax credit incentive uplift for producers based in Gaeltacht areas.
  • Implement the commitment in the Minister for Finance’s Budget 2025 speech to explore the scope to introduce a visual effects (VFX) specific measure Budget 2026.