Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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81. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress to date and the plans for future expansion of the night-time economy action plan for County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52491/25]

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.

In support of Action 19 of the Report of the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Taskforce, funding was provided from this Department for a network of Night-Time Economy Advisors, based in the local authorities. Following an open application process, the following nine were selected: Dublin City, Cork City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Limerick City, Drogheda, Sligo, Longford and Buncrana. I recently confirmed funding for this programme running until September 2026.

While it is important to note that the pilot does not currently extend to Carlow, at the end of 2024, Communiqué International was appointed to conduct a full review of the nine Night-Time pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Night-Time Advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, and make recommendations about the future roll-out of the initiative.

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.

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

Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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82. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress to date and the plans for future expansion of the night-time economy action plan for County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52492/25]

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.

Delivery of these actions is overseen by its Implementation Group, which is chaired and managed by officials from this Department.

One of the most impactful actions in the Report was the establishment of nine Night-Time Economy pilots in towns and cities around the country which is a significant project within the Night-Time Economy policy. One of these roles is based in Kilkenny City.

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.

This year I have allocated €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.

Following a competitive tendering process in 2024, Communiqué International were appointed to conduct a review of the Night-Time Economy Advisor pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, and make recommendations regarding the potential future roll-out of the initiative.

I understand that the review has now concluded, and I am expecting that Report very shortly.

In addition, in March 2025, I launched the Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme, which is designed to support independent music venues and emerging artists across the country. While oversubscribed, I am pleased to report that this scheme has now supported 34 venues, including three in Kilkenny City. Given the demand, I am actively looking at similar schemes in the future, depending on the outcome from the budgetary process.