Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I published the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce in September 2021. It is a cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues all with the aim of encouraging innovation and creativity in the Night-Time Economy in our towns and cities across the country.

While there is no grant funding scheme currently in place specifically targeted at small music venues, there are a number of schemes and initiatives currently being rolled out that small music venues could avail of and indeed are availing of.

Last year, I launched a €2 million Noise Mitigation Grant Scheme to support late night music venue owners to take pro-active steps to implement noise mitigation measures to better control and reduce sound emissions from their premises, especially in those areas where it has the potential to impact on residents. A maximum allowable grant of €70,000 will be funded to successful applicants.

This year I am providing funding for nine Night-Time Advisors posts in Dublin City, Cork City, Galway City, Limerick City, Kilkenny, Sligo, Drogheda, Longford Town and Buncrana, with additional core funding to the Advisors to support strategic approaches to further develop the Night-Time Economy in their areas. This could include pilot initiatives to support artists and venues, as well as other innovative projects all with the aim of creative a safe, diverse and inclusive night time culture. The Night-Time Advisor will work with businesses, communities, venue, residents and artists to create a safer and vibrant night-life for all and bring vitality back to our city in a safe and sustainable way.

I am also supporting a new Late Night Culture Pilot Programme in partnership with the Arts Council, to help existing arts and cultural spaces open their doors to new late night activity. I have awarded €800k to 14 arts centres across the country who are currently extending and diversifying the offering for later night activity and providing opportunities for new and exciting work, encouraging new audiences into existing cultural facilities. These arts centres are encouraged to create new late night programming through innovative new partnerships between local authorities, festivals, producers, other commercial and non-commercial venues and artists - particularly those operating later into the evening.

We will continue to work in partnership in 2024 with all relevant Government Departments and Agencies to ensure that all of the actions in the Report are progressed and that our Night-Time Economy can grow and thrive.