The latest figures published by Screen Ireland, the country’s audiovisual agency, have confirmed the trend of growth in the local animation sector, which now accounts for 50% of all of the Republic of Ireland’s production spend. Animation production spend has grown exponentially over the last few years, up from 20% in 2014. In detail, 39 animated projects received the Section 481 tax relief last year, with a total value of €372 million, resulting in an increase of 24 annual projects since 2014.

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Meanwhile, 38 fiction projects received tax relief for a total of €151 million (21% of the overall production spend), followed by 21 TV-series projects (€220 million, 26%) and 26 documentaries (€17 million, 3%).

Speaking about the results, Animation Ireland’s recently appointed chief executive, Ronan McCabe, said: “The Screen Ireland figures show that Ireland is now a major global player when it comes to animation production, and this is something we should all be extremely proud of. The creativity, talent and expertise we have on this island is extraordinary. We have been saying for years that the Irish animation sector has enormous potential, and these figures back that up.”

Animation Ireland is the country’s trade association for Irish animation studios and includes over 33 members. As of today, Ireland’s flourishing animation sector currently employs over 2,000 professionals. The Emerald Isle is home to several important industry players, including Cartoon Saloon, Boulder Media and Brown Bag. With any luck, the ongoing coronavirus outbreak will have a limited impact on the local sector’s growth. Watch this space.