The announcement by TG4 yesterday of a €10 million funding package represents a major boost for creative talent both nationally and, crucially, within the regions — most notably the West, where the broadcaster is based. The investment reinforces TG4’s role as a central driver of regional creative development and a cornerstone of the independent production sector.
The funding will support the commissioning of new creative content, the development of new producers, and TG4’s continued commitment to original Irish-language programming and the long-term sustainability of the independent production sector in 2026.
It will be made available for the development and production of innovative projects across a wide range of genres and demographics, including entertainment, arts, lifestyle, factual programming, current affairs, drama, and content for children and young people. A strong emphasis will be placed on nurturing new voices and emerging production companies.
This investment sits alongside TG4’s existing funding commitments, further strengthening its long-term support for the creative sector. Funding will be rolled out through open commissioning rounds, including one that closed before Christmas, providing clear and accessible pathways for new producers to engage directly with TG4’s commissioning team.
TG4 will work with both new and established production companies to expand and strengthen the independent production sector, helping producers to scale their businesses and develop sustainable creative pipelines. A particular focus will be placed on developing production capacity within the Gaeltacht, ensuring a more balanced distribution of creative investment across all Gaeltacht regions. In addition, TG4 will announce new content output contracts in 2026.
The broadcaster will also increase its investment in news and current affairs, with plans to launch a new digital, multi-platform news service in 2026, alongside the commissioning of additional current affairs programming.
Announcing the funding, TG4 Director General Deirdre Ní Choistín said the investment reflects both ambition and confidence in the sector:
“This €10 million investment underlines our ambition as a Publisher Broadcaster for TG4’s content slate and our confidence in new creative talent across the production sector. By supporting new ideas and new producers, while continuing our existing funding commitments, we are investing in the future of great storytelling and in the next generation of Irish-language creative voices.”
The announcement forms part of TG4’s wider strategy to continuously develop the independent production sector, with a strong regional and Gaeltacht focus, championing innovation, plurality, and originality in content creation while maintaining ongoing investment in projects already in development or production.
