· €5m for climate change and climate action content production
· €2m for live music broadcasting productions
· €2m for Irish language programming
· €1.5m extra for general Sound and Vision scheme projects
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan & North Meath and chair of the Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Committee, Niamh Smyth, has today welcomed €10.5m in additional funding for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s (BAI) Sound and Vision scheme in 2022.
This new funding will enable the BAI to initiate a special €5m round for broadcasting projects which will raise awareness of climate change, promote climate action and support behavioural change.
In addition, the Minister has asked the BAI to ring-fence €2m for live music broadcasting projects, and a further €2m for Irish language broadcasting content. The additional funding provided by the Minister also enabled the BAI to allocate an extra €1.5m to projects under Round 42 of Sound and Vision.
Deputy Smyth said, “Of the funding announced today, €2m will be allocated to Irish Language content production this year. This will help fulfil the Programme for Government’s commitment to Irish and the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language.
"A further €2m is being provided under the Sound and Vision scheme to support live music broadcasting projects. Music is very important to me personally and to the Irish people, and it is essential that we give musicians every opportunity to perform for an audience. Notwithstanding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the continued support of Government to this sector is vital as it journeys through these difficult times.
"Tackling climate change is a key priority for my colleagues and I in Fianna Fáil. It is essential that we inform people of the threats posed by climate change and bring people on board with measures to tackle it. This Sound and Vision programming will show people what is happening to our climate and how to stop it.”
