The Irish screen industry has witnessed dramatic change, even in the relatively short period of time since Building For A Creative Future was first published in 2021. Shaped by factors that include record-breaking production growth, international acclaim and success, global disruptions, and more robust, structured support for screen production in Ireland, this is a rapidly evolving landscape. Now, more than ever, a strong and carefully constructed foundation for further success is crucial.
In 2018, the government launched the Audiovisual Action Plan, a €200m funding programme as part of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s capital investment plan Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018—2027. This Plan set out the high-level, strategic capital priorities for the Department over the next ten years which will include the development of a vibrant Audiovisual and Media Production sector, bringing new economic opportunities across Ireland, through increased Government support.
Since the Audiovisual Action Plan was launched, Screen Ireland has acted on each recommendation set out in the plan, which included areas as wide-ranging as: systemic improvements to tax incentive Section 481, led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; an increase in development and production funding; an increase in the production of new Irish cinema and TV drama; the establishment of a nationwide production fund; and more structured, targeted training and upskilling for film workers and crew, particularly on a nationwide basis. Screen Ireland is once again committed to working closely with Government Departments and other state bodies to prepare for a new phase of expansion and renewal for the audiovisual sector in Ireland.
Key recommendations in the report, such as the implementation of the Audiovisual Media Service Directive, have made significant progress, and Screen Ireland is committed to continue working in partnership with Coimisiún na Meán on the potential for a European works levy. The Audiovisual Action Plan also called for the transposition of the EU Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, to benefit the protection and exploitation of intellectual property derived through creative screen production in Ireland. Since its transposition into Irish law, Screen Ireland has supported ongoing discussion and engagement with wider industry stakeholders, independently facilitating meetings with representatives for screenwriters, directors, composers, actors, animation and live-action producers, with all parties reaching consensus on interim best practice industry guidelines at the end of 2024.
In September 2020, The Future of Media Commission was set up by the Government to examine the future of media in Ireland. Screen Ireland strongly supports the role of Irish public-service media in promoting cultural diversity and Irish storytelling on screen that is accessible to audiences across Ireland. We believe that independent, well-resourced and balanced public-service media is fundamental to a democratic society.
In recent years, this suite of measures implemented has worked collectively to strengthen the Government’s widely stated ambition for Ireland to become a global centre of excellence. Recent changes to Section 481 in successive Government Budgets have underlined Ireland’s strong commitment to its creative screen industry. In 2022, a Digital Games Relief was introduced, signalling the huge potential of Ireland’s creative digital economy. In 2023, Section 481 was extended to 2028, providing stability and continuity for Ireland as an international competitor. In 2024, Screen Ireland welcomed an increase in the cap on eligible expenditure for Section 481 to €125 million. 2025 will see the introduction of an 8% uplift for Irish feature film, along with the introduction of a 20% tax incentive for unscripted production, pending European Commission approval. These cumulative changes have created a broader range of opportunities for the Irish screen industry as it enters a new phase of development.
A new independent study commissioned by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland outlines the audiovisual sector’s recent contribution to the Irish economy. Between 2021 and 2023, the audiovisual sector supported a total of 15,899 FTEs across its various components, highlighting the industry’s role as a significant employer in the Irish economy. The sector generated approximately €862.0 million in labour compensation, demonstrating its contribution to local wages and economic activity. The total Gross Value Added (GVA) for the audiovisual industry reached €1,061.4 million, reflecting the significant value generated by the sector across live action and animation, digital production, distribution, publishing, transmission and exhibition. These figures underline the audiovisual sector's importance as a key driver of economic growth, fostering job creation and supporting related industries throughout Ireland.
Further industry growth into the future requires strong and robust policies for skills development and job creation across the sector. Recent engagement with the Irish audiovisual industry indicated areas for improvement and growth, including: addressing skills and talent shortages; ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion measures are robust across the sector; improving talent retention; and building careers through continuous learning and targeted training initiatives. The Irish Government’s national skills development strategy places an emphasis on lifelong learning and active inclusion. Screen Ireland’s National Talent Academy network in particular – now comprising six different academies and hubs in the East, West and South of the country – reflects this policy of bringing together active engagement and wide-ranging supports for new entrants and industry professionals alike.
The success of the Irish screen industry—driven by both individual achievements and collective growth—has launched the industry to new heights, while challenges remain, particularly in light of the global screen industry’s current challenges. This expansion has created a landscape rich with opportunity, and there is much still to play for as the industry continues to grow. It is a field with expansive potential – where new ideas, workflows and storytelling formats can play a pivotal role in redefining the future of screen production.
