Plans to turn the former Dell Factory in Castletroy, Co Limerick into a state-of-the-art film and TV studio have moved a step closer after Limerick City and County Council signed a formal agreement with the newly established Troy Studios.
Troy Studios Limited has been set up by Ardmore Studios' Chief Executive, Siún Ní Raghallaigh along with Adrmore joint-owner Ossie Kilkenny and producer John Kelleher.
The long term lease will allow for the 340,000 sq ft Castletroy building to be fully operational as a studio by the middle of 2016 subject to planning permission.
The former Dell factory in Limerick
Conn Murray, Chief Executive, Limerick City and County Council, said: "We're delighted to be working with Troy Studios in facilitating the company in its plans to establish a significant media hub for film and television production in Limerick."
He told RTÉ that it's hoped around 750 jobs will be created with the establishment of the studio facilities.
Ardmore has been on the lookout for additional studio space after being forced to turn away work in the past year because of capacity constraints.
Ardmore's Siún Ní Raghallaigh today said: "The availability of appropriate full service studio space in the country is a restraining factor for Ireland's audio visual sector's growth. Today's announcement is an important step in the right direction to redress that imbalance.
"Troy Studios will add 70,000 sq feet of studio space to the existing 110,000 sq feet of sound studio space that already exists in Ireland.
Arts Minister Heather Humphreys also welcomed today's development saying it will enhance Ireland's reputation as a world class location for audio visual production. The Minister said she would "like to congratulate Limerick City and County Council and Ardmore Studios for their pragmatic approach in bringing this project to fruition".
The development comes at a very exciting time for film production in Ireland after Pinewood studios, which is responsible for blockbuster franchises such as the James Bond and Harry Potter movies, launched an Irish operation in May.
Last week, Naoise Barry, the Film Commissioner for the Irish Film Board, was appointed head of production at Pinewood Productions Ireland.
