Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2024
943. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has commenced plans to design a nightlife action plan, including enhanced policing and public transport, in time with new licensing laws being enacted. [32701/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI published the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce in September 2021. It is a Cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues associated with the Night-Time Economy, all with the aim of developing a vibrant, safe, diverse and inclusive Night-Time Economy in our towns and cities across the country. The reform of the licensing laws is a commitment in this Report.
An Implementation Group was established in 2022, which my Department chairs the Group oversees the progression of actions and ensures that the Report and actions remain current and up to date. The Implementation Group is made up of key Departments, Agencies and also includes Give Us The Night (GUTN) representatives. All representatives have responsibility for implementing various actions under their remit. Significant progress has been made across all actions contained within the Report with some actions now completed.
The Department of Justice is leading on the work in relation to licensing reform and legislation, I and my officials are supporting where necessary and appropriate. The Minister for Justice also has direct responsibility for all matters relating to policing.
In addition, the National Transport Authority is the lead agency in relation to the actions in the Report that relate to transport and good progress has been made in this regard, including an increase in the number of 24 hour routes in Dublin and elsewhere.
All of the actions in the Report are constantly under review and I and my colleagues across Government will continue to support the Implementation Group to work together to address any new challenges that may arise in relation to the development of a safe and vibrant night-time economy.
