Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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68. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for an update on the work of the night-time economy adviser; if consideration is being given to expanding the role or appointing regional night-time economy co-ordinators; the means by which the Department intends to support the development of a vibrant and safe night-time economy nationwide; if he will indicate a timeline for when such an expansion might be resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52425/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Night-Time Economy Advisor initiative was established on a pilot basis in support of Action 19 in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce. These pilot projects remain a key element in my Department's support for the night-time economy nationwide. My Department has provided funding for a two-year full-time Night-Time Advisor in each of the nine selected locations and I have previously confirmed funding for these posts until September 2026. I have also put in place a significant funding package with seed funding of €50k per Advisor (€75k for Dublin).

As part of their ongoing efforts to drive and support a vibrant and sustainable night-time economy in their local areas, the Night-Time Advisors have been engaging with the local community, stakeholders and businesses and each has delivered a plan for their specific location. In addition, 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.

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 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.

In addition, 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, since the publication of the Report of the Night-Time Economy in 2021. This year I launched a €500k Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme, which supports independent established music venues in our towns and cities across the country. I have previously stated that I will consider another phase of this Scheme as part of this year's budgetary process.

The Report and the associated actions are monitored by an Implementation Group, which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from Department of Justice, the NTA and An Garda Síochána amongst others. This group meets regularly to review progress and ensures that the report remains current.

A Night-Time Economy safety initiative called “Safe & Sound” recently launched and is designed to make nightlife safer and more inclusive. The Night-Time Economy pilot locations have free 12-month access to this practical training which focuses on enhancing the safety of both customers and workers by equipping staff with the tools to identify vulnerable individuals and prevent harm.

Through the work of the Implementation Group and the Department's own Night-Time Economy Unit, I look forward to continuing the engagement with colleagues across Government and agencies to deliver the action emerging from the taskforce report with the ambition to ensure a vibrant and safe night-time environment for all.