Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2025
81. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress to date and the plans for future expansion of the night-time economy action plan for County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52491/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Night-Time Economy published in 2021, is a Cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues associated with the Night-Time Economy, such as safety, licensing, transport, planning and regulation, all with the aim of increasing the diversity of events, increasing cultural opportunities and encouraging innovation in the Night-Time Economy. Since the publication of the Report my Department has launched a number of grant schemes and initiatives, towards the development of a safe, inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy right across the country.
In support of Action 19 of the Report of the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Taskforce, funding was provided from this Department for a network of Night-Time Economy Advisors, based in the local authorities. Following an open application process, the following nine were selected: Dublin City, Cork City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Limerick City, Drogheda, Sligo, Longford and Buncrana. I recently confirmed funding for this programme running until September 2026.
While it is important to note that the pilot does not currently extend to Carlow, at the end of 2024, Communiqué International was appointed to conduct a full review of the nine Night-Time pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Night-Time Advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, and make recommendations about the future roll-out of the initiative.
I understand that the review has now concluded, and I am expecting that Report very shortly. I look forward to reviewing its findings and, in consultation with key stakeholders including the local authorities, mapping out the path forward for this valuable initiative.
Through the NTE Implementation Group, we also continue to work with various Government Departments and Agencies to bring about the necessary changes, to revitalise the Night-Time Economy across the country.
