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It has been revealed that nine Irish towns and cities are to benefit from a package of supports designed to create a “more vibrant nightlife”.
The pilot initiative was announced on Tuesday (25 October) by Culture Minister Catherine Martin following Cabinet approving a proposal from Justice Minister Helen McEntee to reform Ireland’s antiquated licensing system.
Under the plans from McEntee, pubs are allowed to stay open until 12.30 am seven days a week while nightclubs are permitted to operate until 6 am.
In a statement on the Government’s website, Minister Martin welcomed the news, stating that these changes would “stimulate the night-time economy”.
She also announced that, as part of a pilot initiative to support the development of a “vibrant and diverse” night-time economy across the country, support will be provided to nine pilot cities and towns to enhance their night-time culture.
The nine places chosen were:
- Buncrana
- Cork City
- Drogheda
- Dublin City
- Galway City
- Kilkenny
- Limerick City
- Longford Town
- Sligo
“These new pilot towns and cities will now recruit new Night-Time Economy Advisors who will help drive and support a more sustainable night-time economy in their specific areas,” Martin explained.
“They will work with businesses, communities, venues, residents and artists to create a more vibrant nightlife for all and bring vitality back to our city and town centres in a safe and sustainable way.”
It is also said the learnings from the nine pilots will then inform the approach to be taken in rolling out plans for the night-time economy in other cities and towns across Ireland.
The application process for recruiting Night-Time Advisors will now get underway.
For more information about the initiative, visit the Government’s website here.
Today's news on licensing reform is a significant step for Ireland's night-time economy
I'm also announcing 9 towns & cities chosen for the new Night-Time Advisor pilot initiative:
🟢Cork
🟢Dublin
🟢Galway
🟢Limerick
🟢Kilkenny
🟢Sligo
🟢Longford
🟢Drogheda
🟢Buncrana pic.twitter.com/j4VvZOaJzv— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) October 25, 2022
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