Wicklow TD-"Government Must Act to Safeguard Wicklow’s Film Industry Amid U.S. Tariff Threat"

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has called on the Irish Government—and particularly Tánaiste and local TD Simon Harris—to urgently intervene and provide clarity on the future of the Greystones Media Campus.

This follows recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump proposing a 100% tariff on television productions made outside the United States—a development that could have serious implications for Ireland’s film and television industry.

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady said.

“Wicklow is the beating heart of Ireland’s film and television industry, with world-renowned facilities like Ardmore Studios in Bray and Ashford Studios in Ashford, our county has long been the cornerstone of Ireland’s screen sector. These studios have hosted major international productions, contributing significantly to the local and national economy.

This announcement from Donald Trump is deeply alarming. If implemented, a 100% tariff on non-U.S. productions would undermine the viability of international investment in projects like the Greystones Media Campus and other productions. This is a potential hammer blow we simply cannot afford.

While the proposal has not yet been implemented, even the threat of such a policy could have a chilling effect on investment in Irish-based productions, particularly in County Wicklow, which is home to several major studios and has long been the epicentre of Ireland’s screen industry.

President Trump’s comments risk creating uncertainty in an industry that contributes significantly to our local economy. Even the suggestion of such a tariff could deter production companies from committing to projects here. That’s why it’s essential the Irish government moves swiftly to reaffirm its support for this sector and, crucially, to ensure that the Greystones Media Campus is not allowed to fade away.

The development of the Greystones Media Campus was poised to build on the legacy Wicklow has, offering unprecedented opportunities for job creation and economic growth.

In April 2022, U.S. property group Hackman Capital Partners, its studio operator affiliate, The MBS Group, and investment firm Square Mile Capital announced plans to open the Greystones Media Campus in 2024. The facility was set to be the largest in Ireland, and was to be developed as a joint venture with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and Capwell, an investment vehicle owned by the Sisk family. The €300 million project was expected to create 450 construction jobs and up to 1,500 permanent roles on its 44-acre site. However, progress has stalled, and the site remains inactive. This is deeply concerning, especially considering the €24 million already invested by Irish taxpayers through ISIF.

Deputy Brady emphasised the need for government transparency and commitment:

“Tánaiste Simon Harris, as a local TD, must break his silence on this issue. The government needs to reaffirm its support for the Greystones Media Campus and the broader Irish film and television industry. We cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away, especially in the face of potential international trade barriers. The economic and cultural benefits of this project are too significant to ignore.

We must get immediate government action to ensure the continuation and completion of the Greystones Media Campus, safeguarding the future of Ireland’s creative industries.”