Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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75. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport how the night-time economy strategy is being applied in a rural context; and the specific actions that are planned to support rural venues where transport availability is a limiting factor. [2698/26]

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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76. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport whether a cross-departmental approach is being taken with the Department of Transport to address rural late-night transport as part of the night-time economy; and if he will outline any forthcoming initiatives or timelines. [2699/26]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.

The Night-Time Economy (NTE) is an important component in the development of our towns and cities, playing a crucial role in economic growth, cultural vibrancy, social vitality, urban and rural regeneration. Rural venues are key cultural hubs in our communities and my colleagues in the National Transport Authority and the Department of Transport are committed to improving transport options so that rural communities can participate fully in the Night-Time Economy.

The Night-Time Economy Implementation Group, which my department chairs, oversees the progression of actions recommended in the NTE Taskforce Report and ensures that these actions remain current. The National Transport Authority (NTA), Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and the National Town Centre First Office are all active members of the Night-Time Implementation Group and the NTE Unit of my department has been working closely with these members to look at ways to further develop and provide more late-night transport options.

My department has also been working on a coordinated data collection, presentation and evaluation strategy with the National Town Centre First Office to ensure that there is a coordinated approach across both policy areas. We are working with our colleagues in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to ensure that the Night-Time Economy is incorporated and embedded into any new rural strategies and policies.

The Night-Time Economy pilots have also been a significant project in this policy area with Night-Time Advisors located in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Sligo, Buncrana (Donegal), Longford, Limerick, Drogheda (Louth) and Dublin. The NTA and Local Links have been working closely with Night-Time Advisors with a view to developing local strategies and initiatives. One such strategy was the Night-Time Advisors public awareness campaign with the NTA to highlight existing, late-night transport options in the pilot areas. In addition, the NTE Advisor for Buncrana launched an Action Plan in 2025, which aims to create a vibrant, inclusive night-life scene with better transport and public realm. The action plan for Buncrana should act as a blueprint for other rural areas on how to develop their night-time strategies.

That said, it is important to note that the actions relating to late night transport are ultimately the responsibility of the National Transport Authority. We will continue to work with our colleagues to look at ways we can provide more late-night transport options for people in rural areas.