Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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66. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline the steps his Department is taking, in conjunction with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, to support the reactivation of the nightclub sector; if he will address the sharp decline in the number of operating nightclubs from 522 in 2000 to just 83 today; if he will consider measures around licensing hours, insurance, and running costs, to help revitalise the night-time economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52426/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Reform of the licensing laws is a matter for Minister of Justice who has the overall responsibility for this reform.

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.

The electronic music and night-club sector is an integral part of the Night-Time Economy and our culture and it is important that we protect and sustain it. The Department is aware that the number of night-clubs and late night venues has been reducing over the last number of years.

It is recognised that one of the issues faced by nightclubs in proximity to residential areas is that of noise management. On that basis, my Department allocated €2 million in capital funding in 2023 towards the Noise Mitigation Grant Scheme, which enabled late-night venue owners to get a full, professional acoustic assessment of their venue and implement noise mitigation measures. The aim of this scheme was to better control and reduce sound emissions, especially in those areas where there is a potential impact on residents, while still allowing a vibrant night-time economy to thrive.

The Report of the Night-Time Economy 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 Síochána. This group meets regularly to review progress and ensures that the report remains current. I recently met with the national Implementation Group for the Night-Time Economy to hear at first hand from stakeholders across Government about their priorities and how best we can continue to work together to improve the quality of Night-Time activity across the country.

The Department will continue work with other Departments and Agencies to examine further opportunities to develop and sustain a vibrant, diverse and inclusive night-life across the country.