Green light for Mayo Gaeltacht immersive technology studio

A PROPOSAL to develop a new immersive technology studio in Belmullet has received the green light from council planners.

The project will create up to 35 highly skilled new jobs in the north Mayo Gaeltacht.

Údarás na Gaeltachta are behind the project, based at their industrial estate in Belmullet, which builds on the success of its gteic digitial hubs network.

A significant number of companies have approached Údarás about specialised facilities, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and advanced 3D visualisation spaces.

Planners, in a submission, were told how these innovative and evolving companies want access to cutting-edge facilities, including AV/AR development labs, motion capture studios, 3D scanning and printing capabilities, and collaborative mixed reality spaces to develop their products and solutions. The studio will be strategically located to complement the existing gteic network while providing unique specialised services that will position the Gaeltacht region as a leader in immersive technology development.

Expressions of interest have come in from companies working in various areas, from cultural heritage preservation and digitisation, to streaming and content creation, educational technology, tourism and cultural experiences along with gaming and entertainment.

It is proposed to increase part of the building to 12m to accommodate a television studio. Studies showed that the visual impact will be minimal.