The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has reported licence revenue of £19.5 million (€24.8 million) for 2000, up 12 per cent on 1999.

At £9.8 million, broadcasting continues to provide the lion's share of the total. Public performances brought in £7.4 million, while growing overseas income accounted for most of the balance. For the first time, online licensing has made an appearance in IMRO's accounts, representing income of £6,500.

IMRO's net distributable revenue increased by 15.5 per cent to £15.9 million between 1999 and 2000, resulting in the most substantial royalties payment the organisation has ever seen. IMRO chairman Mr Mike Hanrahan yesterday paid tribute to the work of staff in ensuring that the concept of royalty payments had become widely acceptable and said that that the collection of overseas royalties was the only area where additional work was needed.

IMRO's most substantial project currently is the Irish Music Board, an initiative akin to the Irish Film Board, with an annual budget of £150,000, with the PPI (Phonographic Performance (Ireland) allotting the same amount on behalf of record companies.