Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, and Minister of State, Andrew Doyle, says that plans to establish a large Hollywood-style film studio in Dublin will confirm Ireland’s status as a desirable film location and will help local authorities to raise the awareness of taking the necessary steps to bolster the industry in Co. Wicklow.
“I learned this week that plans to establish studios on the former Irish Glass Bottle site at Ringsend in Dublin, which would directly employ almost 3,000 people, are at an advanced stage and are likely to be announced shortly. Planning for this development has taken 5 years which shows the level of commitment and time to bring about such an investment.
“Wicklow has proven itself again and again to be a highly popular location for film production. Given the incentives that exist at national level, local authorities have a responsibility to improve the appeal of their own area for filming purposes. Wicklow County Council has shown great support for the industry ensuring that Wicklow provides an attractive location from a financial perspective.
“Ardmore Studios and Ashford Studios are now well known on the international stage, filming series such as The Vikings, The Tudors and Penny Dreadful. Both studios offer excellent opportunities for further development of the film industry in Wicklow.
“The Action Plan for Jobs for the Mid-East region emphasised the potential of the film industry and highlighted that Wicklow has the potential to be the home of the Irish film industry, borne out by the estimated €70 million annual value of the industry to the county.
“Ireland’s reputation as a key film location is going from strength to strength. What we need now is infrastructure to capitalise on this increasing popularity and international reputation for TV and movie production. We must continue to nurture the talent within the Irish film industry.
“Given the success of the industry in Wicklow, more now needs to done to secure Wicklow’s position and future in this regard. We must investigate securing continued tax credits and lifting restrictive limits for the industry, in order to be able to provide the necessary infrastructural studio space in this lucrative, yet highly mobile, sector. I’m continuing to support Wicklow County Council to achieve these goals.”
