A long awaited rural regeneration project for Ballaghaderreen could fill a major demand in the Irish film and television industry.
The An Bealach Nua project would see remote working spaces and a multi-media production hub constructed in the town.
Planning permission has been submitted for two blocks at the Fairs & Market Site in Ballaghaderreen, with a special focus put on creative arts.
Plans call for the development of augmented and virtual reality production facilities within the creative hub.
It's envisioned that this technology can be used for special effects and animations in the entertainment industry while also allowing users to develop their own creative projects and education.
Secretary of the An Bealach Nua committee, Michael Frain says that the Irish Movie and TV industry are having to outsource work to similar studios in Northern Ireland and England:
'This one would be focused really on all aspects of the creative sector.
From concept to design, from kids from college or third level colleges. From people who are actually in the profession who actually come down and share their knowledge of it.
This facility of augmented and virtual reality, even though the Irish film industry is booming at the moment, there's a lack of studio space for augmented reality and the virtual stages.
Even though the Irish film industry is booming as we say, a lot of this work is carried out in Northern Ireland or across the pond in England'
