The film and TV industry adds €1 billion to the economy, Screen Ireland reports

The film and TV industry in Ireland adds €1 billion to the economy, a new report finds.

Released by Screen Ireland / Fís Éireann, this figure averages data from 2021-2023, representing 15,899 full time jobs and €890 million in labour compensation. Today, Screen Ireland hosted an event in Dublin’s City Hall to discuss the future of the industry, and announced 80 new productions on their 2025 slate of supported projects.

“Irish storytelling on screen has never been more visible or more acclaimed on the world stage,” said Chief Executive Désirée Finnegan. “This success has really highlighted the significant cultural value of seeing Irish life, heritage and our national language on screens all over the world.”

Media such as Kneecap, Banshees of Inisherin and Normal People have encouraged tourism and increased interest in Irish culture. The report includes research from Tourism Ireland, showing that 26% of tourists coming into the country were inspired by a piece of television or film.

In lieu of these findings, Screen Ireland’s new strategic plan maps out what's to come in the entertainment industry over the next four years.

“Screen Ireland is proud of the role that we have played in nurturing film-makers and strategically investing in industry development,” said Chair Ray Harman. “In a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive marketplace, public funding for Irish film and television is now more essential than ever. Our new strategy Fís Athnuaithe outlines how, as an agency, we plan to continue to build a sustainable future for filmmaking in Ireland.”

At today’s event, Finnegan met with producer and filmmaker David Puttnam to discuss the screen industry in Ireland. A panel was also held, featuring actors Simone Kirby of Kneecap and Clinton Liberty of House of the Dragon, director Rachel Carey of Deadly Cuts, producer Macdara Kelleher of Saipan and screenwriter Jo Spain of The Boy that Never Was.

Other initiatives announced today include €5.5 million in funding for the development of storytelling in the Irish language, the renewal of a fund for directors called The Voice and a €500,000 digital games initiative.

Earlier today, nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced. No Irish films or actors were recognized this year.

“Since 2021, Irish films and talent have won over 300 international awards. Today there are several Irish films supported by Screen Ireland in contention for Academy Award nominations,” said Finnegan. “It has been an incredible journey for the creative teams behind these projects, with so much achieved already.”