BiggerStage opens €10m global production hub in Limerick at Troy Studios

Irish production firm BiggerStage has committed to establishing a global centre of excellence for television production, with the new facility officially opened by Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan pictured above. Picture: Don Moloney

Irish production firm BiggerStage has committed to establishing a global centre of excellence for television production in Limerick

A multi-million euro global television production hub was officially launched at Troy Studios in Limerick, marking a significant investment in Ireland’s screen industry by independent Irish production firm BiggerStage.

The company has committed to establishing a global centre of excellence for television production, with the new facility officially opened by Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.

Pat Kiely, CEO of BiggerStage and former Managing Director of TV3/Virgin Media Television, described the launch as a reflection of Ireland’s strengths in television production.

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Troy Studios spans 26 acres and includes four premium sound stages totalling 100,000sq ft, with an overall footprint of 350,000sq ft.

“Troy Studios presented a unique opportunity for us, offering four large-scale studios under one roof and the ability to run multiple productions simultaneously,” he said.

The development is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to Limerick and the wider Midwest region, creating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. It is understood the investment is worth €10 million over four years, and that 200 people will be directly employed at the facility. Up to 400 more “ancillary jobs” will be supported.

“We’ve made a conscious effort to source talent locally wherever possible,” Mr Kiely said. “The productions hosted here generate significant demand for hotels, transport, hospitality, catering and entertainment services, creating a wider economic impact. We’re also working closely with the University of Limerick, Skillnet and other educational institutions across Munster to build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals for the industry.”

While Troy Studios initially attracted the company to Limerick, Mr Kiely said the city itself has become a major selling point.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by the accessibility and convenience of Limerick. The city is fantastic, and its location makes it easy to reach other parts of the country. Ireland is effectively one connected region, and that gives us a real advantage,” he said.

“I believe Limerick has the potential to become a major global hub for television production.”

The investment follows the introduction of a new tax incentive providing a refundable 20 per cent corporation tax credit for expenditure on unscripted television productions, including documentaries, reality programmes and game shows.

Since the measure was introduced, BiggerStage has significantly expanded its operations, creating new opportunities across production, technical and creative sectors in the Midwest.

The company is also partnering with the University of Limerick on initiatives designed to expand educational pathways and skills development for the screen industry.

As part of the launch, BiggerStage also announced the creation of Format Factory, a dedicated incubator for the development and testing of original television formats. Based at the new hub in Troy Studios, the initiative will allow producers to develop, pilot and scale unscripted television concepts for international markets.

Already this year, BiggerStage has produced several major international productions from the Limerick facility, including 99 to Beat hosted by Ken Jeong and Erin Andrews, The Floor with Rob Lowe, and Name That Tune with Jane Krakowski for FOX in the United States.

The UK version of Name That Tune, hosted by Alison Hammond and produced in partnership with ITV Studios for ITV1, is also scheduled to be recorded at the Limerick hub in the coming months.

Minister O’Donovan welcomed the investment, saying it demonstrates Ireland’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for television production.

“The launch of the BiggerStage global production hub at Troy Studios will help attract major international productions to Limerick and further showcase Ireland’s infrastructure, talent, creativity and production expertise,” he said.

“Our creative industries are thriving, and there has never been a better opportunity to expand Ireland’s global offering while driving investment in original content, jobs, training, skills development and industry infrastructure.”

Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Innovate Limerick / Film in Limerick, said the group is “delighted to see Bigger Stage expanding production in Limerick”.

The Film in Limerick Regional Film Manager says the partnership comes following the successful filming of ‘Don’t Forget the Lyrics’ at the studios in 2025.

Paul C Ryan said, “The screen sector in the Midwest is going from strength to strength, following several high-profile scripted TV series and feature films shot in the region in recent years – and now the development of a major unscripted production hub in the city.

“Thanks to the introduction of the new unscripted tax credit and the support of Screen Ireland, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and the local council’s film friendly approach, we are seeing real progress in developing the sector and creating local jobs.”

The Council’s ongoing support of the screen sector is also reflected in our investment in Film Limerick, delivered through Innovate Limerick DAC. Film Limerick works year-round to grow the region’s film ecosystem by supporting productions, fostering talent, and promoting Limerick as a destination for high quality screen content. The announcement today directly aligns with the mission and impact of these initiatives, ensuring that local creatives and industry partners benefit from major international opportunities coming to our region.