Animation Ireland Expresses Disappointment at Budget 2027’s Failure to Deliver Key Supports for Irish Animation Industry.
Industry warns of missed opportunities for regional growth, employment and Irish-owned intellectual property.
Animation Ireland has expressed disappointment that Budget 2027 failed to deliver any of the key measures sought by the industry to support the continued growth, competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Ireland’s internationally recognised animation sector.
Despite extensive engagement with Government and a coordinated campaign involving Screen Producers Ireland, Ardán and Film Limerick, Budget 2027 did not include the reintroduction of the 8% Section 481 Regional Uplift, a measure widely regarded as essential to supporting screen production and employment across Ireland.
Animation Ireland’s pre-Budget submission also called for the extension of the Scéal uplift to television series, the establishment of a €10 million IP Stimulus Fund, the introduction of a Content Levy, sustainable funding for public service media and increased investment in Screen Ireland. None of these measures were announced.
Ireland’s animation industry has established an outstanding international reputation, producing award-winning work, attracting international investment and supporting highly skilled creative employment. However, the sector operates in an increasingly competitive global market, where targeted government support plays a critical role in securing productions, developing original intellectual property and sustaining employment.
Ronan McCabe, CEO, Animation Ireland, said: “Budget 2027 represents a missed opportunity to invest in the future of Ireland’s world-leading animation industry. Our sector has built an outstanding international reputation, but sustaining that success requires continued investment and policies that enable Irish companies to compete, grow and develop their own intellectual property.
The failure to reintroduce the 8% Regional Uplift is particularly disappointing and represents a missed opportunity to strengthen production and skilled employment across Ireland. Equally, the absence of additional investment in Screen Ireland and dedicated support for Irish-owned intellectual property raises concerns about the long-term competitiveness of our industry.”
Animation Ireland also shares the wider audiovisual sector’s concerns regarding funding for public service media. Budget 2027 provides for €240 million for RTÉ, €20 million below the €260 million previously envisaged for 2027, while TG4’s allocation remains unchanged. Screen Ireland’s standstill allocation also represents a reduction in spending power when inflation is taken into account.
McCabe adds: “We welcome the Minister’s positive engagement with Animation Ireland and his continuing commitment to introduce regional supports. We look forward to working constructively with him to progress these commitments and ensure that Ireland’s animation industry has the ecosystem it needs to thrive.”
The organisation will continue to engage with Government, Screen Ireland and its industry partners to advance the measures outlined in its pre-Budget submission and ensure that Ireland’s animation industry has the support it needs to realise its full potential.