Written by new-contact on May 26, 2015. Posted in On Location

Limerick plans film studio development in Mid-West Ireland

Authorities in Limerick in western Ireland have bought a former factory building with the intention of turning it into a major film studio. Ireland is becoming a more popular filming location but high-profile TV dramas like Vikings and Ripper Street are based in Dublin.

The 350,000-sq-ft building in Plassey in northern Limerick used to be a Dell manufacturing plant and offers 7.5 acres of development land.

Limerick City and County Council is talking to Ardmore Studios near Dublin to help adapt the site into a movie facility.

“Our discussions with Ardmore Studios are continuing at pace since we first announced that we were working together late last year,” said Conn Murray, Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council.

“We’re delighted that subject to finalising details, we have agreed terms on the purchase of the former Dell building in Plassey. The purchase of this building is the first step in our strategy to create major studio facilities in Limerick. The next part of the process is to finalise our discussions with Ardmore Studios. We have been encouraged by the response to this initiative."

Many of the pre-conditions necessary for the creation of studios already exist in Limerick.

Conn Murray, Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council

“There is a clear and urgent demand for large scale studio space and support buildings in Ireland," he added: "Many of the pre-conditions necessary for the creation of studios already exist in Limerick.

“It is evident that success is based on government support, direct investment and commitment given to the vision of those involved.

"We hope that this is just the start of a project which will create a new industry and a huge number of jobs locally.”

Scenes for Star Wars: The Force Awakens were filmed off the coast of County Kerry west of Limerick last year. In January Ireland boosted its filming incentives and expanded coverage to non-EU star salaries.

Earlier this month, Pinewood Studios announced the launch of Pinewood Productions Ireland Limited, which will provide servicing for clients filming in the country.

Ireland’s Ardmore Studios and Ashford Studios are the country’s main filming facilities and are both based near Dublin.