Commitments by the Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan, that he has no plans to abolish the Irish Film Board, have been welcomed by a local councillor.
Labour city councillor Niall McNelis said he was concerned at reports of and recommendations by An Bord Snip Nua that the Irish Film Board should be abolished.
“I thought this was a foolish recommendation given the crucial role that the Irish Film Board plays in providing employment and in attracting tourists to Ireland,” he said. “It has been estimated that around 15 per cent of people who visit here, cite film as an important factor in making their decision to travel.”
Cllr McNelis said the production of films and TV series in Ireland “ translates into increased investment in the Irish economy, increased employment, and positive spin-off effects for promoting Ireland as a tourist destination”.
