Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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146. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he expects to receive and publish the report on the independent review of the night-time economy pilots (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34878/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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In support of Action 19 in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and as part of the Department's key role in driving the Night-Time Economy in Ireland, we are funding 9 NTE Advisors in Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Sligo, Longford, Buncrana and Drogheda.

The Night-Time Economy pilots are a significant project within the Night-Time Economy policy area and arguably one of the most impactful. This year I have allocated just under €1.4 million in funding to support these pilots to cover: salary costs; a funding package to roll out their plans, including support for Culture Night Late and Cruinniú Late.

The Advisors are helping to drive and support a more sustainable Night-Time Economy in their local areas. The Department engages with them regularly and supports their development. They also work collaboratively on larger projects which have included a late night transport campaign in partnership with the National Transport Authority, and a late night safety campaign. Each is responsible for developing specific action plans for their own areas. The Department has detailed Service Level Agreements with each Local Authority setting out key objectives and deliverables.

Following a competitive tendering process in 2024, Communiqué International were appointed to conduct a review of the 9 Night-Time Economy pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, the future roll-out of the pilots and whether a further roll-out is warranted and what needs to be put in place to make this model effective.

I understand that the review of the pilots has now concluded and the subsequent Report is due to be finalised very shortly. The Report will detail a set of recommendations in relation to the future of the pilots. Once the Report is received, we will undertake a consultation exercise with the County and City Management Association and the wider Night-Time Economy Implementation Group in relation to those recommendations on the future roll-out, prior to publication. I would expect that publication will take place soon after.