Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The night-time economy task force report was published in September 2021 and contained 36 actions across a broad range of issues associated with the night-time economy, all with the aim of increasing the diversity of events, increasing cultural opportunities for families and other age groups into the evening and look at new ways of encouraging innovation and creativity in the night-time economy. The Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, launched the night-time economy support scheme, NTESS, on 22 June this year, in support of two recommendations in the report of the night-time economy task force, namely, actions 1 and 12. The scheme has an overall allocation of €4 million to provide support for cultural activity in pubs, nightclubs, cafés and other suitable licensed and unlicensed premises during off-peak times. The scheme was developed in consultation with key stakeholders in the night-time economy including the Licensed Vintners Association, LVA, the Vintners Federation of Ireland, VFI, the Restaurants Association of Ireland, RAI, IBEC and Give Us The Night.

The aim of this scheme, which is now closed, is to encourage increased footfall in our cities, towns and villages in off-peak times and to open up existing venues to activity in the night-time economy, as well as providing artists with paying gigs and customers with a more alternative, diverse and inclusive night-time offering. I was really encouraged by the response to the scheme, which saw over 470 applications for funding processed with well in excess of 2,000 events being rolled out in cities, towns and villages right across the country. The events range from live music, DJ nights, comedy nights, dance, theatre, literature and poetry, as well as art and photographic exhibitions. The venues are diverse and as well as events in pubs, nightclubs, cafés and restaurants, we have galleries, retail outlets and rehearsal spaces all turning into lively venues for night-time activity.

As the Deputy will be aware, €6 million has been allocated in next year's budget for the implementation of a range of measures to support the recommendations of the night-time economy task force, and we hope to see more innovative pilot projects developed which will build on the momentum generated by this scheme.

See this speech in context