Written answers

Tuesday, 14 June 2022

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Culture Policy

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

456. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way that she plans to support the appointment of night-time economy advisers; the role this will entail; the body that will fund the role; the eligibility criteria for local authority selection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30408/22]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce was published in September 2021 and it contained 36 practical recommendations in the areas of regulation, licensing, planning, transport, safety and increasing the diversity of activities as part of the night-time offering.

Action 19 within the Report calls for a pilot initiative to establish new "Night-Time Advisors" in six cities and towns to develop new Night-Time Economy opportunities. The County and City Management Association (CCMA) are leading on this initiative with support from my Department. The pilot will run for a two year period and my Department will cover the costs of the Night-Time Advisors, subject to the normal budgetary estimates process in 2023. The CCMA recently issued a call for applications to all local authorities for the six pilot towns/cities which will close on the 24th June. An evaluation committee with membership from the CCMA, DTCAGSM and an external independent member will review each application.

Towns and cities in two categories will be selected by the evaluation committee – three towns between 5,000 and 10,000 and three town/cities above 10,000, and they will be assessed using the following criteria:

- Selected pilots must meet either of the two categories (between 5,000 and 10,000 or above 10,000)

- The proposed pilot must clearly outline potential opportunities and current gaps to be addressed in the proposed pilot area, for the development of a more vibrant, diverse and sustainable Night-Time Economy.

- The proposed pilot must demonstrate a willingness to develop a broad NTE offering, including recreational, cultural, and commercial offerings, across a range of time-spans and catering for a diverse range of stakeholder groups.

- The proposed pilot must demonstrate a commitment to a wide-ranging consultation/engagement process with new and existing stakeholders in the city or town.

- The proposed pilot must identify potential assets and potential funding streams which could be accessed for the pilot (assets could include buildings, outdoor spaces, organisations, individuals, etc.) which could contribute to a more vibrant Night-Time Economy.

- The proposed pilot must demonstrate the provision of administrative/organisational support for the new Advisor Post and new Committee and identify a future long-term structure should the pilot be successful.

Once appointed, the Night-Time Advisor will establish a Night-Time Economy Committee which will consist of artists, cultural facilities, event promoters, festival organisers, hospitality interests, local champions, public bodies, retailers and other businesses, residents, venue owners/operators. The Advisor will ensure that all existing local structures are assessed to ensure synergies are developed where possible and that duplication of effort is avoided.

A key element of this initiative will also include an extensive consultation process led by the Advisor, who will engage the local community in the process of developing ideas for the NTE in their own locality. The Advisor will develop a cohesive action plan for the specific town/city and it will contain key deliverables, including a range of proven interventions and the identification of potential funding streams to support the NTE in the chosen cities/towns.

I look forward to the establishment and work of the Night-Time advisors, as it will be another significant step towards securing a vibrant and importantly a more sustainable night-time culture for all our citizens.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.