'Huge disappointment' as Cork's night-time economy advisor's role ends

Cork City Council's advisor for the night-time economy has finished in her role and will not be replaced, a move described by councillors as a “huge disappointment”.

Fiona Collins, chair of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, was appointed in 2023 as part of a pilot programme in nine cities and towns focused on developing events after 6pm.

At the last full council meeting, Cormac Ó Súilleabháin, director of city centre development and operations, said the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport had advised that the Night-time Economy (NTE) pilot project will end in June 2027.

Mr Ó Súilleabháin said the council does not have any sanction of posts beyond next June.

He said the council remains committed to promoting the NTE, and will continue to deliver the programme until its conclusion next summer, subject to funding.

Ms Collins had her last day in the role this week after council management reportedly chose to split her work between council staff members instead of continuing her employment.

Revenue deficit 

It comes as Cork City Council recorded a revenue deficit for the first time in several years last year, of €1,592,569.

A department spokesperson said that in 2025, an independent review of the NTE pilots was initiated, after which minister Patrick O’Donovan approved an extension of the pilot until June 2027. They said discussions are now taking place about “the outcomes of the review, and the future expansion of the project”.

All nine locations have signalled their intention to continue with the pilot until June 2027, but the spokesperson added that the individual contractual arrangements are a matter for local authorities.

Labour councillor John Maher said that Ms Collins’s role “really benefitted our city.

“I experienced the benefits first hand. Nighttime markets, first Friday initiatives, pop up events in North Main Street Car Park, to name a few.”

Green party councillor Dan Boyle said that Ms Collins’s role ceasing was a “huge disappointment.

“We should always welcome and try to build upon innovation,” he said.

The Echo contacted Cork City Council for comment.