Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
54. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on the role of the night-time economy manager in Drogheda since the Government policy decision to close the last remaining hotel beds of scale in the town, thereby majorly impacting the tourism sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16858/24]
View answerThe Night-Time Economy Advisor in Drogheda was appointed in August 2023. The role of the NTE Advisor is to drive and support a sustainable and diverse Night-Time Economy in Drogheda. It is important to note that the Night-Time Economy Advisor is recruited and directly employed by the local authority who provides the Advisor with a reporting structure within the local authority that can best facilitate the role.
However, my own Department is also in regular contact with the Advisors to provide advice and support where required. In this context, I am aware that the NTE Advisor in Drogheda has been actively engaging with the community in Drogheda since he started. There is a consultation process underway and the Night-Time Economy committee in Drogheda has been established in order to draft a tailored action plan for the area and has been working closely and alignment with the Drogheda Tourism Cluster group and the Drogheda Implementation Board. In parallel, the NTE Advisor in Drogheda has already begun the process of developing some initiatives including festivals and has been providing support for the purple flag group which is coordinated by Love Drogheda BID.
The Advisor will be looking at the availability of all types of venues in the area in which to develop night-time activity and will be working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that space is maximised and that Drogheda develops a strong and diverse Night-Time Economy for the community and visitors alike.
I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the pilots and the development of a vibrant, inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy in each of the pilot areas.
