Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 27 November 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Promoting Nightlife, Economy and Culture: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of questions. I thank Mr. Falvey for taking the time to come here and present to the committee. We have had a number of presentations on this issue. We have heard one of the major issues for venues is insurance costs, and Mr. Falvey alluded to the challenges and complexities involved, but that issue does not only affect venues. Increasingly more venues are finding it difficult to sustain themselves with the insurance requirement demands that exist. That means that some of the more creative venues that may have a small following find it especially difficult to sustain themselves.

Mr. Falvey alluded to Dublin Bus operating a 24-hour service on two routes. It is about time we had that service and it is a pity more routes are not operating on that basis, given that Dublin is a capital city. I am not aware of any such service operating in any of the other cities. The Luas operates a service at 1 a.m., 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Fridays, Saturday and perhaps Sundays during the Christmas period. We were advised the Luas cannot operate a 24-hour service because there must be some time available for servicing but the operation of its service at 1 a.m., 2 a.m. and 3 p.m. should be nearly the norm every weekend rather than only during the Christmas period.

This topic involves a range of issues. Mr. Falvey mentioned the Minister is engaging with local authorities and art groups regarding a mapping exercise. When will that happen, as there is an urgency to this, as Mr. Falvey reflected, due to the fact that some venues are closing? If the Department takes too long in doing this, we might lose some venues. Also, in terms of their experience, what are the problems involved? I note the Minister is establishing pilot projects and Department officials will meet Dublin City Council next week. It is a pity that did not happen sooner. In terms of the pilot projects, probably the first ask of Dublin City Council or any other council will be where is the money for this initiative and what money is available to draw up a plan for this. While that might not cost much, there will be a cost in implementing it and putting somebody to be in charge of it. A night czar is in place in London, for example. Has the Department reached a stage where money is required to be set aside in a budget for the pilot projects planned for our two biggest cities? We heard from representatives of Waterford at an earlier meeting. It is not a big city but it has a vibrant creative community, which is struggling to sustain itself. Perhaps consideration should be given to establishing a pilot project in one of the smaller cities. We are not overloaded with having very large cities but we are overloaded in terms of having much creative talent in Ireland and that should be harnessed whether that be during the day or in the evening-time. Much more could be done in the evening-time to harness the talents of those members of the creative community and also to provide enjoyment to those of us who live in Ireland and those who come here to avail of that experience. I will leave it at that and I might speak later on a few other issues.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.