Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
190. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress to date in implementing the recommendations of the Night Time Economy Taskforce established in 2020, including specific actions taken across areas such as licensing reform, transport, safety, creative programming, employment supports and data collection; and to outline timelines and responsibilities for outstanding actions. [13195/26]
View answerFollowing the publication of the Night-Time Economy Task Force Report in 2021, a high-level Night-Time Economy (NTE) Implementation Group was established by my department. The group consists of representatives from key departments, agencies, and stakeholders and is chaired by my department. The group continues to meet regularly to oversee the progression and implementation of the actions in the NTE Taskforce Report.
Significant progress has been made across the original 36 actions in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, with some actions now completed. An overview of the progress of the actions contained in the report can be found here: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/overview-of-progress-on-the-night-time-economy-taskforce-report-october-2024.pdf
The work of the Taskforce to date has made valuable impacts in bringing the benefits of a vibrant NTE into public discourse as well as affecting policy development across Government. A new Terms of Reference for the NTE Implementation Group is currently being drafted including a full review of the current actions. This review which is being conducted by my department and the NTE Implementation Group, is due to be completed in the coming weeks.
This year, I have allocated €3 million towards the implementation of a range of measures to support the Night-Time Economy, this includes an allocation of €1 million to support a second iteration of the Grassroots Venue Support Scheme and the continued funding support for 9 Night-Time Advisors in Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Longford Town, Sligo Town, Drogheda and Buncrana, Co. Donegal.
My department will continue to work with the relevant departments and agencies to examine further opportunities to develop and sustain a vibrant, diverse, safe and inclusive night-life across the country.
