The challenges of audio description in Ireland: Bridging education, users and industry (ADESI)

Abstract

Around 5% of the population in Ireland is blind or visually impaired, highlighting the urgency of improving access to media and culture. Although progress has been made, the provision of audio description (AD) remains inconsistent, with variations in quality, availability, and sectoral coverage. European directives such as the European Accessibility Act and the Audiovisual Media Services Directive set important standards, yet their implementation across Member States, including Ireland, has been uneven. National measures like the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act (2022) mark progress, but enforcement gaps and limited application across non-broadcast settings persist. The ADESI report identifies multiple barriers: insufficient training pathways, lack of certification, and unsustainable funding models that undermine professionalism and trust. Smaller organisations face particular challenges due to resource constraints, reliance on external providers, and the high costs of producing quality AD. Opportunities exist in fostering in-house expertise, encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and users, and ensuring active end-user involvement in service design. Awareness also remains low; most users encounter AD informally, reflecting weak promotional strategies. While AI technologies offer potential, skilled human describers remain essential. To secure an inclusive cultural landscape, Ireland must adopt unified standards, strengthen accountability, and embed accessibility as a consistent, long-term priority across all entertainment platforms