Ashford Studios in County Wicklow has failed in its planning bid to double the size of its film production facilities, according to decisions reviewed by local planning authorities. The County Wicklow studio, known for hosting major international productions such as the History Channel series Vikings, submitted proposals to significantly expand its footprint on the property.
Planning Application Details and Rejection
According to local planning records, the operators of Ashford Studios sought permission to construct substantial new soundstages, workshops, and support infrastructure to accommodate growing demand from international streaming platforms and film studios. The expansion project aimed to scale up operations substantially across the Wicklow site, positioning the rural studio hub to compete directly with larger European production facilities. However, the local planning authority declined the application, citing concerns regarding regional infrastructure, traffic management, and environmental impact.
Impact on Irish Film Infrastructure
The decision deals a notable setback to Ireland’s expanding screen sector, which has experienced capacity bottlenecks amid high demand from US studios. According to industry reports, Irish production hubs frequently operate at or near maximum capacity, leaving producers scrambling for available soundstage space. While facilities like Troy Studios in Limerick and Ardmore Studios in County Wicklow maintain strong slates, major operators have repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for large-scale physical expansion to capture long-term international investment.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
Planning documents show that local objections and municipal guidelines heavily influenced the outcome of the Ashford Studios application. Regional planners highlighted that local road networks and water services would require substantial upgrades before a facility of that scale could be supported. Studio executives have not yet formally announced whether they will appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála or submit a revised, scaled-down proposal to address the board’s specific environmental and infrastructural concerns.
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