A major new film and TV studio is hoping to be built in the midlands.
Planning permission has been sought to build the largest film and TV studio in western Europe in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
It is hoped building will begin on a 25-acre site that has been selected in the Lough Sheever Corporate Park for Hammerlake Studios.
According to reports, it is understood the group behind the plan include senior film executives who have held roles at Universal Pictures, Disney and Troy Studios.
The company says the project has the potential to generate 300 construction jobs. Once completed, the studio could employ up to 350 film crew.
If planning permission is approved, phase one of the studio development is expected to be fully operational within 12 months.
The growing demand for new film and television content means that there is a global shortage of studio space.
Whilst Ireland has three relatively large studio facilities (Ardmore, Troy and Ashford), demand for these studios is high, with studio projects often selecting other international locations when the availability of these existing facilities has been limited.
The plans include the construction of 11 sound stages.
A planning application will be submitted to Westmeath County Council next month.
Welcoming the news, Fianna Fáil Senator Aidan Davitt said this is one of the most exciting commercial developments in the midlands.
"It's going to be one of the biggest studios in western Europe, it's of huge international significance," he said.
Minister for State for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke said he has met the group behind the plan a number of times and it's a very exciting development.
"The scale of the project is colossal and if brought to fruition it would make Ireland a world leader in the film industry," he said.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion Robert Troy said the plans are "hugely impressive" and he will continue to work and support the project.
"Hopefully when the application is submitted, it will receive the green light," he added.
