Joe Behan - Independent Councillor - Wicklow County Council


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Ardmore Studios Statement

Archive Statements > 2016

Film Zoning and State Shareholding in Ardmore Studios Must Remain
20th October 2016


The news that Ardmore Studios is for sale is deeply worrying for those who support the continued existence of the film industry in Bray.

I am extremely concerned that despite the public statement that the Studios are being sold as a going concern, the reality is that the Studios occupy almost 20 acres of prime property on Herbert Road in Bray. This land would be extremely valuable if sold for property development and it is imperative that the site is retained fully and exclusively for the film industry.

The people of this country own one third of Ardmore Studios through the agency of Enterprise Ireland. It is incumbent on the Government and its representatives in Dail Éireann to state clearly that it will not attempt to sell its share in the Studios and that it will guarantee the continued exclusive use of Ardmore Studios for the film industry. Any equivocation in this matter by Enterprise Ireland, the Government or the Government T.D's in this constituency will be rightly seen by the people as a sell out of one of Bray's finest indigenous industries.

I will also be pressing immediately and urgently for the continuation of the special film making zoning on this site in the Wicklow County Development Plan. I am calling on all Members of Wicklow County Council to join with me in defending the special film zoning on this strategically important site. I believe the people of Bray and indeed all of County Wicklow would demand and expect no less.

Cllr. Joe Behan

Independent



Serving the people of County Wicklow since 1985 | joebehan@outlook.ie

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