Audiovisual Ireland has called on the Government in Budget 2025 to strengthen the indigenous independent production sector by enhancing the Section 481 tax credit incentive and to invest more in promoting regional production.
Audiovisual Ireland is the representative body for the screen industry within Ibec. The industry is estimated to be worth over €692m, comprising 11,960 jobs through direct, indirect, and induced employment across the economy.
It said the Section 481 tax credit incentive should be increased from 32% to 40% for feature film, television drama, animation and creative documentaries where the global production budget is less than €20m a project.
For VFX only, projects it said the increased rate should be available where the Irish expenditure budget is less than €10m a project.
Audiovisual Ireland also said that increased investment in regional skills development and production, including interim funding is recommended to bridge the gap until new regionally focused Section 481 measures are introduced.
It acknowledged the significant progress made since the launch of the Audiovisual Action Plan in 2018, but said more work is needed to fully capitalise on this success and secure a vibrant future for the country's screen industry with regional growth providing a big opportunity for the sector.
Torlach Denihan, Director of Audiovisual Ireland, said the Irish screen sector has seen remarkable achievements over the last decade.
"Now, we have a unique opportunity to take that success to the next level. By increasing fiscal incentives, growing regional skills and production, and promoting Irish language content, we can build a sustainable and thriving industry that showcases Irish talent to audiences both at home and globally," he said.
Mr Denhian said he knows there will be increased demand for independently produced productions, which presents a real opportunity for the sector.
"However, it is important to avoid over-concentration in certain locations and to spread production across the country. This will only be achieved through investment in regional skills and incentives to encourage production in the regions," he added.
Audiovisual Ireland also urged the Minister in next week's Budget for funds to promote the development, production, and delivery of Irish-language content to showcase Irish culture and heritage as well as additional resources to An Garda Síochána to combat digital piracy through investigation and prosecution.
