The Irish Language Broadcast Fund has confirmed that it is accepting applications with a deadline of noon on Friday 4th September.
In a recent review of the programming output of the ILBF, the ILBF investment Committee indicated a wish to see more content targeted at children and content with particular relevance or appropriateness to Irish Language Learners.
The fund would welcome any enquiries in the interim period and would also encourage independent production companies to liaise with the broadcasters who have shown an interest in developing programme ideas, namely BBC NI, TG4 and RTÉ.
The Irish Language Broadcast Fund budget for the year 2015/16 to March 2016 is fully committed. Accordingly, the September Funding Round relates to funding from the 2016/17 budget.
Northern Ireland Screen is yet to receive confirmation of funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund beyond March 2016. However, rather than delay the decision making process, the ILBF Committee decided to continue as usual and make funding decisions subject to funds becoming available – an approach they have taken a number of times before. Northern Ireland Screen have stated that they are optimistic that confirmation of funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund will come through in the coming months though they cannot provide any guarantee.
For further enquiries contact Acting Head of ILBF Ceara Uí Mhuirí at ceara@northernirelandscreen.co.uk.