Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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526. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the means by which the purple flag accreditation for Cork city's night time economy contributes to tourism, safety, and local enterprise; the means by which funding is allocated for ongoing night time economy initiatives; and the evaluation mechanisms in place to assess the impact on businesses, public safety, transport, and community wellbeing. [51349/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Purple Flag international accreditation programme is run by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) in collaboration with some of the local authorities across Ireland and the UK and recognises excellence in the evening and night-time economy. Cork City has held the award since 2015 and the Purple Flag accreditation process is a matter for that local authority and the ATCM.

Since the publication of the Report of the Night-Time Economy in 2021, my Department has instigated a number of grant schemes and initiatives towards the development of a safe, inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy across the country. This year, I launched the Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme, which supports small established music venues in towns and cities across the country. Seven venues in Cork City and County were allocated funding under this Scheme totalling just over €100,000 or 20% of the available funds. Applications were assessed by my officials in order of date and time of receipt. I have previously stated that I will consider another phase of this Scheme as part of this year's budgetary process.

In addition, 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 pilot. My Department has provided funding for a full-time Night-Time Advisor in each of the selected locations and I have previously confirmed funding for these posts until September 2026.

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.

The Report and the associated actions are monitored by an Implementation Group, which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from the NTA, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Fáilte Ireland, Department of Justice and An Garda Siochána. This group meets regularly to review progress. I recently met with the Implementation Group to hear from stakeholders across Government about their priorities and see how best we can continue to work together to improve the quality of Night-Time activity across the country.

At the end of 2024, Communiqué International was appointed to conduct a full review of the Night-Time pilots and to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Night-Time Advisors. The review will also examine the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas and make recommendations regarding the potential future roll-out of the programme.

I understand that the review has now concluded, 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.