Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has welcomed the opportunity to meet with executives from Hackman Capital to receive an update on the future of the Greystones Media Campus.
Speaking after the meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Brady said:
“I welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with executives from Hackman Capital and to receive an update on their plans for the Greystones Media Campus.
“Planned to open in 2024, the original €300 million investment was expected to create approximately 450 construction jobs and up to 1,500 permanent positions, making it one of the most significant economic development projects ever proposed for Wicklow and establishing the county as a global leader in media production.
“However, work abruptly stopped in 2022, and the project has since been left in limbo, with no tangible progress or clear direction from the government.
“At today’s meeting, Hackman Capital outlined the very significant changes and challenges to the film industry in recent years and how their focus had been on consolidating existing operations.
“While I appreciate this and their willingness to engage, it is deeply disappointing that the Greystones Media Campus project has now been significantly scaled back.
“The original proposal for the 44-acre development, which had already secured planning permission, has now been reduced to just 17 acres.
“The footprint has gone down from 670,000 square feet to 300,000, with the number of planned sound stages cut from 14 to eight.
“Any reduction in ambition is a major disappointment.
“This update also raises serious questions about the future of the remaining 27 acres.
“Hackman Capital confirmed that they are engaging with the IDA with a view of returning the land to the IDA.
“This land must be ringfenced for economic development to ensure it continues to deliver jobs and investment for the county, and I will be engaging with the IDA very strongly to make that case.
“With that said, it is welcome to see some movement on a project that had stalled for many years.
“Throughout that period, my repeated attempts to secure updates were met with little or no meaningful engagement.
“So after 4 years of uncertainty, at least there is clarity from Hackman Capital regarding the future of the project and that they are committed to moving forward with a revised Greystones Media Campus.
“They outlined a number of steps that must now be taken to progress the project.
“Their immediate priority is securing a long-term tenant for the studio.
“They are also engaging with Wicklow County Council regarding their existing planning permission and any revisions that may be required.
“Importantly, Hackman Capital also reaffirmed their firm commitment to Ardmore Studios in Bray.
“It is absolutely vital that this Greystones Media Campus project now proceeds without any further unnecessary delay.
“This development was presented as a transformational opportunity for our local economy and for Ireland's film and television sector. Instead, local people have been left with an empty site, missed deadlines and far too little transparency.
“I will continue to press all parties to ensure this project moves forward. Wicklow cannot afford any further delays, and all stakeholders must now show the leadership needed to finally deliver this vital investment.”
ENDS