Internet film and television provider Netflix has launched its online service in Ireland. The US company says it will offer a range of Irish films and television programmes to subscribers here.
Netflix hopes that by offering Irish movies alongside the Hollywood blockbusters and television shows which are its staple, it can add to a growing number of international subscribers accessing its services on computers, video game consoles and internet televisions.
In the US the rise of online providers such as Netflix sounded the death-knell for the traditional video rental business.
Expanding into the UK and Ireland means Netflix will post a loss this year but, with the market for online film and television growing rapidly, it is betting that short-term pain will be worth it for long-term gain.
