Music industry contributes €1bn to Irish economy – IMRO

The Irish music industry contributes €1 billion annually to the Irish economy, according to a new report published today by IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation).

The report also states, however, that despite the significant levels of interest and spending on music in Ireland, the dream of becoming a professional musician “remains out of the reach of many”.

In ‘Music report 2025’, IMRO found that live events (gigs and festivals) dominate consumer expenditure, generating €786 million annually.

The research states that concerts in high-capacity venues account for the largest share at €298 million, while the average spend on music festivals is €194 million.

IMRO Chairperson and singer/songwriter Eleanor McEvoy said that “at the heart of this report is a clear truth: Irish people don’t just enjoy music – they live it.”

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However, Ms McEvoy also pointed out IMRO’s view that there is a need to ensure that musicians are “fairly compensated in the streaming economy”, protected from emerging risks such as “unregulated AI”, and supported through initiatives such as Basic Income for the Arts and Section 481 reforms.

The report provides information on consumer spending on streaming services, stating that the spend reached €375m in 2024 with 53% of adults subscribing to services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music.

Spotify is the most popular streaming service, the research found.

The report also states that the average adult spends approximately €1,000 per year on music related products and services, with a spend of €757 per year on music events.

The balance is spent on streaming, merchandise, and other music related products including physical media such as vinyl and CDs.

This new research states that the Irish music industry employs over 13,400 people, however it warns that the work is “seasonal” and not a full-time job.

Concerns were raised at the cost of accessing music experiences, with two thirds of adults flagging the cost of tickets as the main barrier to attending gigs and almost half (49%) highlighting accommodation costs as another issue facing fans going to music events.

IMRO highlights the organisation’s concerns that despite significant consumer spending, many Irish artists struggle to make a living as annual income for full-time music professionals is almost 40% lower than national average.

The members are calling for better financial support and robust protections for music creators, including fair remuneration and safeguards against the “misuse of AI”.

Among the recommendations listed in the report, IMRO is seeking “specific tax incentives for using Irish music within Audiovisual productions”, and continuation of support for Ireland’s grassroots music venues.

Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Media Alan Kelly launched the report and said that while he welcomes the findings, the report serves as a timely reminder that “passion alone” cannot sustain a career in music.

He added that too many artists and songwriters are grappling with “financial insecurity”, exacerbated by the unfair distribution of streaming revenues and the “growing challenges posed by AI”.

Deputy Kelly also said that “Government must take these findings seriously”.

IMRO was set up to administer the performing right in copyright music on behalf of its members (songwriters, composers and music publishers) and on behalf of members of the international overseas societies that are affiliated to it.