Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1066. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has designated, or intends to designate, any music festival or arts event as an event of major importance which should be available on free television services in line with his powers under section 162 of the Broadcasting Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44865/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The designation of major events for free-to-air broadcasting is a statutory process provided for under the Broadcasting Act 2009, with the criteria for deciding events coming from the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive. This allows Member States to designate certain events as being of major importance to society and provide that those events, if they are broadcast, are made available on free-to-air television.

It is permitted under the Directive and legislation for non-sporting events to be included should they meet the designation criteria, which include that the event has a special general resonance within the Member State, has distinct cultural importance for the population and is traditionally broadcast free-to-air with a large television audience. The norm across Europe has been for the process to be used primarily or exclusively for designating sporting events and the latter has also been the case in Ireland.

A review of the existing list of designated events is in progress. As part of this process, a list of potential new events to be considered for designation was identified following an initial public consultation, and was subject to a further public and stakeholder consultation, as well as independent analysis last year. This list relates exclusively to sporting events and I would not propose to change that approach at this late stage of the current process.

I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly in relation to the final list of events under consideration. If any additional events are to be designated, it will then be necessary to notify these to the European Commission, which will review them for conformity to the designated criteria, before a draft Order designating the relevant events is laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1067. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a strategic plan is under development to support the revitalisation of the night-time economy in Cork city and surrounding towns; and if grant supports or regulatory changes are being considered to assist cultural venues, late-night transport, and local business reopening. [44916/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Report of the Night-Time Economy published in 2021, is a Cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues associated with the Night-Time Economy, such as safety, licensing, transport, planning and regulation, all with the aim of increasing the diversity of events, increasing cultural opportunities and encouraging innovation in the Night-Time Economy. Since the publication of the Report my Department has launched a number of grant schemes and initiatives, towards the development of a safe, inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy right across the country. This year I launched a €500k Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme, which will support small established music venues in our towns and cities across the country. Six venues in Cork City and County have been allocated funding under this Scheme totalling €90,000.

The Report and the associated actions are monitored by an Implementation Group, which is chaired by my Department and this group meets regularly to review progress and ensures that the report remains current. One of the most impactful actions in the Report was the establishment of nine Night-Time Economy pilots around the country. The aim of the initiative is to stimulate night-time activity in a particular area supported by a full-time Night-Time Economy Advisor. Cork City was selected as one of the nine locations to take part in the two-year pilot, however it is important to note that currently the pilot does not extend beyond the city in Cork.

The Night-Time Advisor for Cork City has been engaging with the local community, stakeholders and businesses and their feedback and insights have been incorporated into the Night-Time Strategy for Cork City which was published in 2024. publications.corkcity.ie/view/356745440/ The Strategy provides a template for the future of the Night-Time Economy in Cork City and could potentially act as a blueprint for other areas in the county to use.

At the end of 2024, Communiqué International was appointed to conduct a full review of the nine Night-Time Economy pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Night-Time 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 has now concluded, and I am expecting that Report very shortly. 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.

We will also continue to work with various Government Departments and Agencies through the Implementation Group to bring about the necessary changes, to revitalise the Night-Time Economy across the country.