Robinson and McGuinness confirm production of Game of Thrones Series 4 in Northern Ireland

The First Minister Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA confirmed the production of Game of Thrones Series four in Belfast with other filming across local locations.

The Ministers confirmed the return of filming for series four following the announcement by Michael Lombardo, president, Home Box Office (HBO) Programming, that HBO has renewed GAME OF THRONES for a fourth season. Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, GAME OF THRONES is an epic story of treachery and nobility. Series four will receive funding from NI Screen, supported by Invest NI and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The Ministers met with senior HBO executives at the Season 3 premiere in Los Angeles last month, where they took the opportunity to continue to press Northern Ireland’s advantage as a first-class production location, as well as the benefits afforded by the upcoming television tax breaks for the UK, in which the Executive, Northern Ireland Screen and HBO played important roles.

The First Minister said: "Securing the filming of series four is proof that Northern Ireland can host large-scale productions with positive spin-off into other sectors such tourism where we can showcase stunning locations such as the Causeway Coast and Glens, Ballintoy, Murlough Bay to name but a few.

"The success of Game of Thrones shows our commitment to leave no stone unturned when seeking to secure such international productions. We travelled to Los Angeles to press the case for the Northern Ireland film industry and to encourage HBO to return to film their fourth series.

"We have seen the economic impact of an estimated £65million across the three seasons and we want to grow our local film industry to attract more international projects of this scale.”

The deputy First Minister said: "Meeting with HBO senior Executives at the launch of Game of Thrones Series Three in Los Angeles last month shows we are prepared to go the extra mile to secure such an internationally renowned production for our local film industry. The credibility associated with a project of this scale has significant potential for our economy.

"A very important part of this large-scale inward investing production is the training and skills development for the local industry.

"We are focused on maximising the economic value of series four and build on the employment levels of the previous series where over 800 people were working on the production.

"NI Screen is working in partnership with the NI Tourist Board and Titanic Belfast to exploit the success of HBO's production through the Game of Thrones Exhibition in June.”

Response from Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland on Mark Durkan’s comments today in relation to under occupancy

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has responded to Mark H. Durkan's comments on under occupancy.

“Mr Durkan’s comments are completely inaccurate and to suggest I am burying my head in the sand is simply ridiculous.

“I have reiterated time and time again in both in the Assembly and in media interviews my concerns with this element of welfare reform. Some time ago I asked social landlords to ensure that they had considered all options to prevent tenants being evicted from their homes or being made homeless as a result of these changes. I asked both the Housing Executive and the Housing Association movement to bring forward detailed action plans to provide a range of support measures for those households affected. No guidelines were issued by my department.

“I will be continuing to work with my Executive colleagues to ensure the most vulnerable people here are protected as welfare changes are implemented across the UK.

“In addition, over the last few weeks, I published a series of in depth research reports on the Northern Ireland impacts of welfare reform proposals. This research was shared extensively among my Assembly colleagues, the Social Development Committee of which Mr Durkan is a part, the media and stakeholder organisations.

“While a number of elements of the Welfare Reform Act (GB) 2012 are due to be implemented in Great Britain in the coming weeks, these will not begin in Northern Ireland until the Welfare Reform Bill (NI) 2012 has become law and the necessary regulations have been put in place. This Bill is currently making its way through the legislative process at the Northern Ireland Assembly and the next step in the legislative process is Consideration Stage, which will begin on 16 April 2013.”

Roads Service update on winter service response

The operation of snow clearing during the recent severe spell of winter weather has been continuing with all available Roads Service plant being deployed to assist the areas worst affected. 

These operations have been enhanced by the introduction of over 130 items of large plant including tracked excavators and quarry shovels provided by private contractors and Rivers Agency. 

Over the last few days crews have been gritting around 7000km of our roads in a single run. Roads Service vehicles spread around 1000 tonnes of salt on every run at a cost of £80,000. Routes are often salted three times during the night equating to a cost across Northern Ireland of around a quarter of a million pounds.

Roads Service has provided the following details which are current as of tonight 25 March.

• The salted network in Western Division is 100% clear of snow and the unsalted network is 99% clear;
• The salted network in Northern Division is 100% clear of snow and the unsalted network is 89% clear. Northern Division has experienced the worst of the severe weather and can confirm that today 97% of its totals network is now enabling the movement of traffic;
• The salted network in Southern Division is almost 100% clear with the exception of Spelga pass which is in the Mournes. On the unsalted network 96% is clear;
• The salted network in Eastern Division is over 95% clear whilst the unsalted network is over 90% clear.

These figures are changing hour by hour as Roads Service continue to make every effort to ensure the full network is accessible to traffic as soon as possible.

Robinson and McGuinness pitch for more filming projects

First Minister Rt Hon Peter D. Robinson MLA and the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA were in Los Angeles to pitch for more filming projects after the success of HBO's 'Game of Thrones'.

HBO invited the Ministers to attend the launch of the third successful series of 'Game of Thrones' which was filmed at Titanic Studios in Belfast.

The First Minister said: "The Northern Ireland Executive is committed to growing a dynamic, innovative economy. Through investment in our creative industries, Northern Ireland will continue to build on its reputation across the world as an excellent location to invest. 

"Northern Ireland Screen, through its funding support from Invest NI, has provided HBO with assistance of £6.05million, under the Northern Ireland Screen Fund, to secure the pilot episode and the first two series of this award winning medieval fantasy drama. 

"Game of Thrones has generated up to £65million direct spend in the local economy. We will continue to build on our highly successful relationship with HBO and have made a strong argument for any further series to continue to be filmed in Northern Ireland. 

"Investment of £8million in the Titanic Studios in Belfast, supported by Invest NI demonstrates a real confidence in our film and television sector."

The deputy First Minister said: "The film industry is an important sector for our economy and offers huge potential for further growth. HBO'S Emmy award-winning 'Game of Thrones' has created 800 jobs and contributed millions to the local economy. Its success provides the perfect platform to pitch for more film making projects from this important niche market.

"Through the work of NI Screen we have secured major film and television productions and now with the 100,000 square feet Titanic Studio facility in Belfast we hope to build on our international appeal as a global hub for the creative industries."

Northern Ireland Screen is the lead organisation in developing the film, television and digital content industry.