Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. Go n-éirí leis mar Theachta Dála do Bhaile Átha Cliath. I hope he has a very enjoyable time here as a Member of the Dáil.

Our Department is a member of the interdepartmental group on the report of the Dublin city task force, which is chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach. This group is devising a roadmap for delivery of the recommendations contained in the task force’s report. The membership of the group includes Dublin City Council, which leads in the area of meanwhile-use in Dublin city centre. My Department will continue to engage with the council and other stakeholders to ensure that all opportunities for additional creative and cultural spaces are maximised.

The issue of meanwhile-use is a key action in the report of the night-time economy task force co-ordinated by the Department. This report is a cross-government report containing a number of actions across a broad range of issues associated with the night-time economy. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is leading an examination of the practical implications of meanwhile-use for planning and other legislative codes to enable the potential for buildings to be used for night-time cultural activities, as well as looking at alternative uses for those spaces by day.

Significant progress is being made in this area and this work will feed into the review of the planning and development regulations that has commenced following the enactment of the Planning and Development Act on 17 October 2024. Feedback from a stakeholder consultation process with relevant Government and sectoral stakeholders may also feed into the development of any plans for a strategy in Dublin city.

My Department also provides the funding for a full-time night-time adviser post in Dublin City Council as part of a network of nine night-time advisers across the country. The adviser has an ambitious plan, with funding provided by my Department and other stakeholders, to create a dynamic, inclusive and vibrant nightlife in Dublin city centre. Many of these priorities closely align with the priorities identified in the task force report, particularly in the areas of increased cultural activity, safety and accessibility. The adviser will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that this ambition is realised and will play a key role in supporting any meanwhile-use strategy for the city.

I will continue to work with Dublin City Council and all of the stakeholders to promote a more vibrant and sustainable night-time economy.

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