Animation surges in Ireland

The rapid growth of the Irish animation sector continued in 2019, with the industry now accounting for almost 50% of all production spending in the country, according to the latest figures from Screen Ireland.

Ronan McCabe

The data shows that 39 of the projects that received Section 481 tax relief in 2019 were animated titles, with a total value of €372m (US$403m).

The Irish animation sector directly employs more than 2,000 people, while Animation Ireland, the trade association for Ireland’s animation studios, now has 33 members, up from 25 in 2018 and 14 in 2015.

Recently appointed Animation Ireland CEO Ronan McCabe said: “The figures on spending in 2019 once again highlight the amazing growth of the animation industry in Ireland over the past five years.

“To put these figures into context, in 2014, animation projects that received Section 481 support were valued at €85m, which was 20% of the total. In just five years, this has grown by 438%.

“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.”