Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
387. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the work of the night-time economy taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13256/23]
View answerI 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 increasing the diversity of events, increasing cultural opportunities and encouraging innovation and creativity in the Night-Time Economy. The report is monitored by an Implementation Group which meets regularly to review progress and to ensure that the report remains current.
Last year we saw many positive interventions in the Night-Time Economy with new pilot initiatives kick-started and progress made across a number of actions in the Report. Examples of progress include the roll out of the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme to encourage footfall in our cities and towns in off-peak hours and provide opportunities for local artists and also the roll-out of pilots in our National Cultural Institutions who held a series of late night events and openings to encourage more diversity in our night-time economy.
I have allocated €6m this year towards the implementation of a range of new measures to support the Night-Time Economy, which includes €2 million in capital funding to support the development of a soundproofing grant scheme for late night venues. Details of this will be announced in the coming weeks.
This year I am also providing funding to recruit pilot Night-Time Advisors in 9 cities and towns to enhance and drive a more sustainable, vibrant night-time economy. The recruitment process for these positions is currently underway and I expect the positions to be advertised shortly. The Night-Time Advisors will work with businesses, communities, venues, residents and artists to create a more vibrant night-life for all and bring vitality back to our city and town centres in a safe and sustainable way. This is a pilot initiative and if it proves successful, it is hoped to roll out the learnings to other local authorities.
It should also be noted that the Minister for Justice published the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill last October which was a key recommendation of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and a major step in the right direction for all those making a living in the Night-Time Economy.
