Urgent Call to Restore Film Incentives to Boost Limerick Productions

URGENT: Calls to restore the regional film and TV incentive are intensifying as stakeholders warn that Limerick and the Mid-West may lose their status as a thriving hub for international productions. A new report from Olsberg SPI, commissioned by Innovate Limerick and Film in Limerick, underscores the critical need for renewed support to prevent the region from falling behind.

As Ireland’s largest film studio, Troy Studios, spans 350,000 square feet, the report highlights that the absence of financial incentives could jeopardize jobs, investment, and Ireland’s competitive edge in the global screen industry. “Without renewed support, Ireland risks losing jobs, investment, and its competitive edge,” the report warns.

The Mid-West has rapidly evolved into one of Ireland’s premier regional screen hubs. Since the establishment of Film in Limerick, local economic impact has surged, supported by over 350 skilled crew members experienced in major film productions. Notably, during the production of Nightflyers for Netflix in 2018, 90% of the crew were Irish, generating a staggering €53 million for the local economy.

Recent productions, including the Irish-Belgian feature Bonhoeffer filmed across Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary, have demonstrated the region’s appeal. Additionally, the upcoming film 4 Kids Walk into a Bank has drawn attention as scenes featuring Liam Neeson were filmed in the heart of Limerick, captivating the local populace.

The report also emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to maintain the Mid-West’s growing role in Ireland’s national screen industry. Supported by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and local enterprise offices, the initiative aims to assess future skills requirements and bolster the screen industry’s growth.

Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick, stated, “As the report makes clear, without a functioning and long-term regional uplift, the regions cannot compete on a level playing field with Dublin and Wicklow.” He stressed that restoring the incentive is crucial for providing consistent work for crews and attracting world-class productions.

Furthermore, the report highlights the broader economic impact, noting that more than 90 local businesses, from hotels to hardware suppliers, benefit from a single feature film production in the region. As global competition intensifies, the need to reinstate the regional uplift becomes increasingly urgent, as it is deemed essential for keeping Ireland at the forefront of international film and TV production.

As discussions continue, stakeholders urge immediate action to restore the film and TV incentive, emphasizing its vital role in sustaining jobs and investment in Limerick and the surrounding areas. The clock is ticking—what happens next could determine the future of film production in this vibrant region.