The self-financed project which has been in motion for six years is driven by Parallel Films producer Moloney and Windmill Lane Studios founder Morris, and received cross-party endorsement at a special council meeting on the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone.
The site for the proposed studio is Block B2 on the Poolbeg West SDZ, which, if repurposed, could accommodate over 180,000 square foot of studio space and create 4,600 direct and indirect jobs.
On 18 acres and with 8 sound stages and 5 acres of backlot, Dublin Bay Studios would be Ireland's largest and only full service film, TV and digital content Studios.
The plans have injected a sense of urgency to respond to the lack of infrastructures in place for large-scale domestic and international productions; the peninsula for instance, is a mere 2km east of O’Connell Bridge.
They also come at a time when the future of Ardmore Studios in Co. Wicklow remains uncertain, as despite an annual spend upwards of €70M in Co. Wicklow, it may be used for much-needed residential housing in the area.
Alan Moloney & James Morris:
“We are delighted by the resounding, cross-party endorsement articulated by Dublin City Councillors for Dublin Bay Studios tonight [Thursday, May 18th] at the special council meeting on the Poolbeg West SDZ.
“To hear the councillors describe the Studios project as ‘visionary’, ‘unique’ and ‘special’ as they passed motions in favour of the Studios’ establishment on Block B2 of the Poolbeg West SDZ, is hugely encouraging. We passionately believe that the development of Studios at this location would be a catalyst for regeneration in Dublin’s inner city and for growth in the creative industries, creating thousands of jobs and putting Ireland on the map internationally for film, TV and digital content production. The overwhelming support articulated by councillors tonight and also by the public through the public consultation process, is evidence of huge opportunity that the Studios present.
“We are very committed to delivering on this ambition and we will continue to work constructively with Dublin City Council and Dublin Port Company to make it a reality.”