Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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523. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for an update on the night-time economy pilots taking place in Dublin city, Cork city, Limerick city, Galway city, Kilkenny, Sligo, Longford, Buncrana, and Drogheda; if, in particular, he has any updates on the "café lates" initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38654/25]

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 have been carrying out consultation exercises in their local areas and each have established a Night-Time Economy committee consisting of a diverse range of stakeholders, all with a view to producing a cohesive action plan/strategy for their location. The Advisors are also required to provide updates to the Night-Time Economy Implementation Group, of activities in relation to the pilots and share any wider policy issues impacting on the NTE at a local and national level.

The Night-Time Advisors continue to stimulate the Night-Time Economy in their local areas and have adopted a strategic approach, through a range of interventions and grant schemes which has been informed by their strategies/action plans, all with the aim of to developing and promoting a safe, inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy.

In addition, the Advisors have been working collaboratively on several initiatives including:

• The Safe and Sound campaign which is aimed to remind people to have a great night out while encouraging them to respect their areas. It will also build on conversations and relationships to strengthen the safety and the perception of their areas. This year a suite of free online training, focused on safety and best practices will be made available to support businesses operating in the evening and night-time.
• The Later than you Think campaign which was launched in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA), highlighted the range of late-night public transport options which including bus, train and tram services that are available in the pilot towns and cities after 6pm.
• The Café Lates initiative supports cafés to stay open later and offer vibrant, non-alcohol-focused cultural programming in 6 of the pilot locations (Galway City, Drogheda, Sligo, Kilkenny City, Cork City, and Longford). The initiative is funded by my Department and 39 cafés have been supported to date. These pilots are reimagining cafés as evening cultural venues hosting everything from spoken word and live music to DJ sets, games, and creative workshops. This initiative is not only boosting the local economy but also responding to a growing public appetite for diverse, alcohol-free social spaces after dark. These towns and cities are leading the way in creating inclusive, community-driven evening experiences that can be replicated nationwide.