New Scheme aims to support the modernisation of infrastructure and digital tools
Coimisiún na Meán has today (26.09.2025) opened applications for a new scheme to support media outlets to invest in technology and digital upskilling – the Digital Transformation Scheme.
€3 million of funding allocated by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport will be made available under the new Digital Transformation Scheme for public service content providers. This includes community, local, regional and national broadcasters, newspapers and online platforms. The Scheme will enable the modernisation of infrastructure and digital tools, and support the development of digital skills, to help media outlets compete in the increasingly competitive digital media sector.
Applications for the Digital Transformation Scheme open today, 26 September, and close at midday on Friday 24 October 2025.
Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: “On behalf of Coimisiún na Meán, I want to thank Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, for his allocation of €3 million to support this innovative new Scheme.
“Coimisiún na Meán is committed to ensuring a thriving, diverse and creative media landscape for Ireland, and to supporting innovation in Ireland’s media sector. How audiences consume media is changing and media outlet face challenges to keep pace with changing patterns of consumption. An Coimisiún has developed the new Digital Transformation Scheme to support the Irish media sector in this time of rapid transition, with a focus on two key areas – digital skills training and technology.”
The Scheme will provide funding to support Digital Transformation projects designed to boost the prominence, accessibility, and sustainability of public service media content.
This includes funding the upskilling and reskilling of the media workforce through targeted digital training, and supporting technology initiatives to enhance the quality, efficiency and delivery of digital media content to diverse audiences.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “The Digital Transformation Scheme will provide essential support for the media sector in adapting to a rapidly changing media landscape in both a national and a global context. The upskilling of staff within the sector, along with the modernisation of infrastructure and digital tools for business development and sustainability, are essential for promoting a plurality of voices in the sector and for assisting the media to thrive, while supporting the continued provision of trustworthy, objective and accessible public service content for our citizens.”
Among the objectives of the Digital Transformation Scheme set out by Coimisiún na Meán include the prominence, or ‘findability’ of local, regional and national content through digital channels; supporting digital transformation for Irish language public service content providers; supporting new digital approaches to engage diverse and younger audiences; advancing accessible digital solutions with low environmental impact; and greater media plurality.
In August, Coimisiún na Meán opened applications for €10 million of funding under its Journalism Schemes – Local Democracy Reporting, Courts Reporting and a new News Reporting Scheme. To date, the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes have led to the creation of 100 new or enhanced journalism roles across Ireland.