The Daily Star Ireland
A new report from the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) reveals that the Irish music industry now contributes a remarkable €1 billion each year to the national economy. Despite this impressive valuation, many professional musicians are still finding it difficult to earn a sustainable living.
Live Events Drive Majority of Revenue
According to the “Music Report 2025,” released today by IMRO, the live entertainment sector is by far the largest contributor to music-related revenue in Ireland. Concerts and music festivals account for €786 million of the annual total, with large-scale arena shows generating €298 million alone. The average consumer spend at festivals clocks in at around €194 million annually, indicating the continued popularity of live music among Irish audiences.
Streaming services also play a significant role. In 2024, Irish consumers spent €375 million on digital music subscriptions, with over half of the adult population subscribed to platforms like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. Spotify remains the most widely used service in the country.
Overall, the report estimates that Irish adults spend approximately €1,000 per year on music, including €757 on live events. The remaining expenditure covers streaming, merchandise, vinyl records, CDs, and other music-related products.
Challenges Behind the Spotlight
Despite strong consumer interest and spending, the report underscores how many Irish musicians remain financially insecure. IMRO Chairperson and singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy emphasized that music is deeply embedded in Irish culture, stating, “Irish people don’t just enjoy music — they live it.” However, she also stressed the need to better support creators in a fast-changing music landscape.
Among the biggest concerns is the income gap for full-time musicians, who earn almost 40% less than the national average salary. While over 13,400 people are currently employed in the music industry, much of the work is seasonal, leaving many without consistent year-round employment.
A significant barrier for fans is the rising cost of attending gigs. Two-thirds of adults surveyed pointed to ticket prices as a limiting factor, while 49% mentioned expensive accommodation as another hurdle to enjoying live performances.
IMRO Calls for Policy and Industry Reform
To address these issues, IMRO is advocating for a series of reforms. Key among them is a push for fairer compensation in the streaming economy and greater protection against potential misuse of artificial intelligence in the music space. The organisation also supports initiatives such as Basic Income for the Arts and is proposing updates to Section 481 — Ireland’s tax relief for film and television production — to incentivise the use of Irish music in audiovisual media.
The report further recommends increased support for local, grassroots music venues and calls for targeted tax incentives to promote the use of Irish music in various media sectors.
Launching the report, Alan Kelly, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Media, echoed many of IMRO’s concerns. He noted that although Ireland’s music industry is thriving in economic terms, “passion alone” isn’t enough to sustain a career in music. He highlighted the persistent financial insecurity of artists, exacerbated by an unfair streaming model and the emerging risks of AI technologies.
Kelly concluded by urging government leaders to act on the findings: “The government must take these findings seriously.”
A Call for a Fairer Future in Irish Music
Established to manage the performing rights of songwriters, composers, and music publishers, IMRO plays a crucial role in safeguarding Irish music creators. With the release of this latest report, the organisation is making it clear that despite economic success, meaningful change is still needed to ensure artists receive fair treatment and support in a modern digital world.
