Rural Cork needs night-time economy plan, says TD

A report on night-time economy pilot initiatives in Cork city and other areas is set to be before the Government soon, with a Cork TD calling for similar initiatives to be rolled out in rural Cork towns.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North-West Aindrias Moynihan asked the minister for culture, communications, and sport, Patrick O’Donovan, if there are plans for the expansion of the night-time economy action plan outside of Cork city.

Mr Moynihan hopes the initiative will include the rural towns and villages in Cork county.

Mr O’Donovan explained that they are currently funding nine night-time economy advisors in Dublin city, Cork city, Limerick city, Galway city, Kilkenny, Sligo, Longford, Buncrana, and Drogheda.

“The night-time economy pilots are a significant project within the night-time economy policy area and arguably one of the most impactful.

“This year, I have allocated just under €1.4m in funding to support these pilots,” said Mr O’Donovan.

The pilot project in Cork has seen the “Leave a Light On” initiative trialled, and other pop-up events such as coffee shops staying open later on specific nights.

Consultation

Mr O’Donovan said that advisors have been carrying out consultation exercises in their local areas.

He added that each advisor has established a night-time economy committee with a view to producing an action plan/strategy for their location.

“Following a competitive tendering process in 2024, Communiqué International was appointed to conduct a review of the nine night-time economy pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, the future rollout of the pilots, whether a further rollout or expansion of the pilots is warranted, and what needs to be put in place to make this model effective,” Mr O’Donovan said.

“I understand that the review has now concluded, and that the report will detail a set of recommendations in relation to the future of the pilots and the wider NTE [night-time economy] programme.

“I am expecting that report very shortly and 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.”