Budget 2026 brings a substantial investment package for Ireland’s cultural, arts and media sectors, with Minister Jack Chambers confirming a €1.5 billion allocation for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport next year. The funding aims to build on recent progress and strengthen long term support for creative industries.
One of the most notable announcements is the Government’s commitment to introduce a new successor programme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. The original scheme, launched in 2022 for a three year period, provides a weekly €325 payment to 2,000 artists and creative professionals. The successor scheme is set to begin next year, offering continued support for income stability in the arts sector.
In addition to this new programme, €84.9 million has been allocated for arts and cultural initiatives in 2026. This includes increased investment in major capital projects such as the redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery.
Broadcasting services will also receive significant funding. A total of €357 million is allocated for the sector, with TG4 set to receive €65.4 million, including a €5.4 million uplift. The additional resources are intended to enhance Irish language programming, expand children’s content and strengthen news services. Funding will also support ongoing reform and transformation initiatives within RTÉ.
The Government has introduced a major enhancement to the section 481 Film Tax Credit. Productions that spend at least €1 million on approved visual effects work will now qualify for a new 40% relief rate, capped at €10 million per production. The move is expected to attract more large scale film and television projects to Ireland and support the growth of the domestic VFX sector.
The digital games industry also benefits from long term certainty, with the Digital Games Tax Credit extended until 31 December 2031. The scheme will now allow claims for post release content development, provided the original game qualified for the credit.
