On-trade

Night-time Economy Taskforce seeks input

While Covid-19 has severely restricted social gatherings it has been particularly detrimental to the Night-time Economy and culture of cities, towns and villages around the country.
The Night-time Economy needs to be ready to bounce back and to have as few obstacles as possible in its way as it develops and grows.

The Night-time Economy needs to be ready to bounce back and to have as few obstacles as possible in its way as it develops and grows.

Unlike the hospitality industry generally, the country’s nightclubs and late bars have been effectively closed down permanently by the onset of Covid-19 restrictions.

But looking forward, as the economy opens up (dependent on current public health advice) the Night-time Economy needs to be ready to bounce back and to have as few obstacles as possible in its way as it develops and grows.

With this in mind, the recently-formed Night-time Economy Taskforce is therefore conducting a stakeholder consultation process with the relevant sectors and those interested parties who’ve a significant role in the Night-time culture and economy.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD established the Night-time economy Taskforce on the 30th of July this year and this Taskforce will examine and address the challenges facing the development of a vibrant Night-time culture and economy. These challenges include regulation, licensing law, transport and diversity of cultural activities among other issues.

To ensure that all views and ideas are considered, the Taskforce is conducting a targeted stakeholder consultation process and it’s expected that the views of a wide range of stakeholders will feed into its work to assist in the development of policy measures and recommendations to the Minister.

The Taskforce consists of representatives from across a range of Government Departments, agencies and groups who’ve been tasked with developing policy recommendations and practical measures for an emergent, vibrant and sustainable Night-time culture and economy.

The establishment of this Taskforce is a key commitment in the Programme for Government.

Membership of the taskforce comprises the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; the Department of Justice & Equality; the Department of Climate Action and Transport; the Department of Rural and Community Development; the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; the National Transport Authority; An Garda Síochána; Fáilte Ireland; Give us the Night; the Chair of the Council of National Cultural Institutions; the Arts Council; the Chair of Local Authority Arts Officers; the County & City Management Association Chair (representing the voice of the local government management network) and the Lord Mayors of Dublin & Cork.

“While many key issues relating to the Night-time economy are already included in the terms of reference of the Taskforce, it’s important that we consult more widely to ensure that all views are considered and that we take a holistic approach to the consideration and creation of a vibrant night-time economy and culture,” stated the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Following the Minister’s request for “creative thinking in this area” a focused stakeholder consultation process is now underway.

The Taskforce is currently open to all interpretations and activities for a range of different age groups. Its challenge now is to unlock the benefits of a vibrant Night-time Economy for citizens and visitors.

The Taskforce is calling on interested groups to have their say in response to four questions:

  1. What does one see as being the key attributes of a positive Night-time Economy? What does the best-case scenario for you (as a group) look like?
  2. What cultural, creative or other activities are currently missing from the Night-time Economy?
  3. What are the challenges for your particular group and others? Any suggested solutions?
  4. What, in your view, is a best practice example of a successful Night-time Economy internationally and/or are there international examples we can draw from?

The information the Taskforce receives will be used to assist in the development of policy recommendations and practical measures to support an emergent, vibrant and sustainable Night-time culture and economy.

The Taskforce has been asked to report back to the Minister within six months of the first meeting.

Submissions must be accompanied by a completed submission cover sheet and must be sent via email to NTE@chg.gov.ie. These will be accepted until close of business on Monday the 16th of November 2020.

 


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