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Cork City Council has approved the long-anticipated Night-Time Economy Strategy, a plan designed to transform the city into a thriving 24-hour destination. 

With a focus on improving the city’s offerings from 6pm – 6am, the strategy aims to boost tourism, enhance local business opportunities, and create a safe, dynamic environment for both residents and visitors alike.

The broad strategy includes a variety of key initiatives designed to increase safety, improve city animation, and create a vibrant night-time culture. 

Among the exciting projects already underway are an open-air concert on the rooftop of North Main Street Car Park, the “Leave a Light On” campaign, and the Coffee House Lates events—experiences that are set to showcase Cork’s energy and creativity after dark.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle said:

“The approval of the Night-Time Economy Strategy marks an exciting new chapter for Cork. We are committed to making our city not just a place to visit, but a place to live, work, and enjoy—around the clock. From live music and rooftop performances to late-night cafés and safe, welcoming spaces, we’re setting the stage for Cork to become a truly 24-hour destination.”

The strategy focuses on key areas including:

• Safety and Security: Ensuring Cork’s night-time economy remains safe and welcoming for all, with enhanced lighting and improved policing.
• Cultural Animation: Creating more cultural and entertainment events, from live music to public art installations, to keep the city lively and engaging after hours.
• Support for Local Businesses: Encouraging the growth of late-night offerings such as food, entertainment, and creative spaces to sustain a vibrant economy throughout the evening and night.

With the strategy officially approved by Cork City Council this week, more initiatives will be rolled out across the city. The strategy also aims to support the well-being of those who work in Cork’s night-time economy and provide more options for people to socialise safely and responsibly.

Cork City Council Chief Executive, Valerie O’Sullivan said:

“ With an increasing number of residents and visitors seeking diverse experiences after dark, a robust nighttime economy strategy is essential to boost local business, promote safety and enhance social cohesion”.

Cork City Council’s Night Time Economy Advisor, Fiona Collins added:  

“This strategy has been developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, and I am thrilled to see it come to life. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to work together to build a vibrant, inclusive night-time culture that supports all who live, work, and visit Cork.”

Report is available at https://publications.corkcity.ie/view/356745440/

NTE Pilot Scheme

Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media established the Night-Time Economy Taskforce on 30 July 2020 as one of the priority actions for the Department and in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government.

The aim of the Taskforce was to examine all the challenges facing the development of a vibrant night-time culture and economy such as regulations, licensing laws, transport, and diversity of cultural activities among other issues so our cities, towns, and villages which have already faced so many challenges, will be able to find and develop new opportunities in this area.

The pilot initiative proposed to establish Night-Time Economy Advisors and Night-Time Economy Committees in 9 towns/cities in two categories – towns between 5,000 and 10,000 and town/cities above 10,000.

A key element of this initiative includes an extensive consultation process leading to the development of an action plan setting out a range of interventions to support the co-ordinated development of the area’s Night-Time Economy. These interventions may include (but are not limited to):

• Identification & adaptation of venues for multi-purpose use
• Improvements to public realm including safety features
• Development of effective urban animation
• Cultural event management
• Partnership with Creative Ireland Culture Teams to activate NTE activities
• Incentives for late night retail and other businesses
• Safety and security measures