Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
214. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on the provision of a night-time economy manager in Drogheda to help develop a night-time economy strategy; when the role is expected to be filled; the grade of the role; the time period of the contract; if other relevant information will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28895/23]
View answerLast year, in direct response to Action 19 in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, I announced the locations of the 9 towns and cities which will take part in the new Night-Time Advisor pilot initiative. The selected pilots are Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana and Longford Town.
My Department has been liaising with the County and City Management Association (CCMA), who have been leading on this process, in relation to the recruitment of the 9 Night-Time Economy Advisors. I have approved funding for a two-year full-time post in each of the selected towns and cities and the posts will be advertised at Local Authority Grade VII scale. A number of Local Authorities have already started their recruitment campaigns by way of open competition, including Louth County Council. The closing date for applications for the Night-Time Advisor in Drogheda was 25th May.
Once appointed, the new Night-Time Economy Advisors will help to drive and support a more sustainable Night-Time Economy in their specific areas. They 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. The new Advisor will be tasked with establishing a new Night-Time Economy Committee which will be diverse, inclusive and dynamic. The Advisor will have to ensure that all existing local structures are assessed to ensure synergies are developed where possible and that duplication of effort is avoided.
A key element of this initiative will also include an extensive consultation process led by the Advisor, which will lead to the development of a cohesive action plan setting out a range of interventions to support the co-ordinated development of the area’s Night-Time Economy. The Advisor will also identify potential funding streams to support the NTE in the chosen cities/towns.
I would like to thank the CCMA for their role in leading this process. I look forward to the establishment and work of the Night-Time Advisors and getting them in place as soon as possible.
