TG4 is planning to upgrade its on-demand player service as part of its 30th birthday celebrations in 2026.

The Conamara headquartered Irish language public service television station is also planning investment in its studios in Baile na hAbhann, including greening the building.

TG4 was among the big winners in the revised National Development Plan which includes a commitment to support Irish language media from 2026 to 2030.

A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport said the total allocation for media in the NDP was €34.6m over the five years of the plan.

“While the majority of this is intended to be allocated to TG4, the final annual allocations for each of the years 2027 to 2030 remain to be confirmed as part of the annual Budget and Estimates process for each year. The 2026 allocation to TG4 amounts to €6.7m,” a spokesperson said.

The plan said, “investment will continue to support the development of Irish language media”.

“There will be investment in TG4’s studio and broadcast facilities, including development of digital platforms, and specialist hardware and software,” it said.

The Department confirmed the exact amount allocated to TG4 was not yet finalised.

“Details of budget and timelines for individual projects, including investment in studio facilities, is a matter for TG4,” it said.

A TG4 spokesperson welcomed the commitment from Government to invest in the channel and for a ‘future-proofed’ Irish-language media for TG4.

“We welcome the increase announced in Budget 2026 to deliver additional aspects of our strategy 2023-2027, including a digital news service and increased programming for young people.

“We will invest in news gathering and production facilities as part of the move for independent and pluralistic news services as well as investing in upgrading studio facilities to reflect this new exciting proposition,” TG4 said in a statement to the Tribune.

As part of its investment, TG4 plans to extend its distribution strategy with an international version of its channel for reception on third party platforms abroad as well as via an updated TG4 player to coincide with TG4’s 30th anniversary next year.

“This upgrade for the TG4 player will improve user interface and user experience for a more personalised experience. Other planned projects include upgrades of TG4’s transmission software and hardware as well as upgrades to video archiving system.

“This project will provide greater access for the public to the TG4 Archive. TG4 aims to improve its use of solar generated power and reduce the use of fossil fuels in line with reaching the 2030 sustainability targets,” TG4 added.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan said the capital investment worth €2.2billion set out in his Department’s Sectoral Plan “recognises the importance of our sectors to Ireland’s socio-economic development over the coming years”.

“Some of the key projects and programmes include modernising our national and regional cultural institutions, ensuring the resilience of our communications networks, delivering sporting facilities at a local, regional and national level, and investing in our film and television sectors,” he added.

Pictured: TG4…celebrating 30 years.