The Irish government set out its 2024 budget this afternoon, which included a surprise shift to its tax incentive eligibility.
Irish Film and TV productions are now able to claim the country’s 32% tax break on eligible expenditure up to €125m, raised from €70m.
Screen Ireland, the national agency for the Irish screen industry, welcomed the increase and set out plans to support new initiatives and facilitate production across the country. The plans include the launch of a new Creative Clusters Programme for 2024 targeting emerging screen talent and communities across the country, with a pilot scheme proposed for County Cork.
“In a landscape where global film and TV production budgets have reached an all-time high, the increase in the eligible expenditure cap will allow Ireland to attract a wider range of high-quality, larger scale production,” said Susan Bergin, Chair of the Board of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
“It will also create opportunities in the growing area of VFX and post-production, whilst maintaining our well-regarded global reputation. This in turn will allow Ireland to build a depth of production crew, creating jobs and skills development opportunities throughout the creative screen industry, as well as driving increased cultural and economic opportunities for screen tourism.”
Screen Ireland has said 47% of the local Irish feature film and TV drama in its 2023 slate was produced or filmed on location in regional areas, including Donegal (Obituary Season 1), Limerick (Double Blind), Clare (Smother Season 3), Galway and Mayo (That They May Face the Rising Sun), demonstrating the wide range of locations available outside of the Dublin/Wicklow areas. Previous productions shot in Ireland include Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, Apple TV’s Bad Sisters, and Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin.
“Our ambition for the future growth of the industry is to ensure local and international film, television, animation, documentary, and VFX is produced in counties throughout Ireland, bringing the cultural and economic benefits of the industry to the entire country,” Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, added.
“The national development of the industry, beyond the existing production hubs, is a critical priority for Screen Ireland to ensure the sustainability of the industry into the future.”
