Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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1349. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to outline his plans for the expansion of the night-time economy action plan outside of Cork city, to include rural towns and villages in Cork county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42273/25]

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.

Following a competitive tendering process in 2024, Communiqué International was 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 or expansion of the pilots is warranted and what needs to be put in place to make this model effective.

I understand that the review has now concluded, and that the Report will detail a set of recommendations in relation to the future of the pilots and the wider NTE programme. I am expecting that Report very shortly and I look forward to reviewing its findings and, in consultation with key stakeholders including the local authorities, mapping out the path forward for this valuable initiative.