Wicklow has moved a step closer toward becoming Ireland‘s movie industry hub after councillors decided to allow for a 100 per cent reduction in development contributions for film studio infrastructure.

The elected members also agreed to make a case to central government for the raising of the cap on the section 481 tax credit scheme and are seeking an extension of the scheme to 2025, to encourage the development of much-needed infrastructure for the film industry.

The move will encourage the further development of film-making facilities in County Wicklow.

The 100 per cent reduction was proposed by Cllr Pat Casey, who explained: ‘Wicklow has an advantage compared to other counties because of our proximity to Dublin and, more importantly, our skill set.

‘There is a shortage of studio space and now it is quite clear that probably three times the stage space in Wicklow is required.

‘This will be a positive deal breaker for people providing these facilities. It will give Wicklow extra stage space and allow us to get further ahead of the opposition.’

Both Cllr Casey and Cathaoirleach John Ryan had met with representatives of Ardmore Studios and Ashford Studios, while both studios have also made presentations to the council advising that there was a shortage of studio space within the film industry in Wicklow.

Film industry representatives were also seeking to increase the per project cap from €50 million to €100 million.

‘As it stands now probably excludes big film productions from filming here because they get bigger tax breaks in England,’ added Cllr Casey.

http://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklowpeople/news/boost-to-local-film-industry-as-studio-contributions-cut-31587864.html