Minister Catherine Martin announces initiatives in support of night-time economy

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, announced a support package for the Night-time Economy at the Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar today.

The first section of the package includes €800,000 in funding to support art centres to open later and “diversify their offering”.  In partnership with the Arts Council, 12 pilots will be chosen to “support innovative approaches to night-time cultural activities".

Secondly, €2 million in capital funding has been allocated to help late-night venues implement soundproofing. A maximum of €70,000 will be available for businesses in the sector looking to improve their noise mitigation.

The third and final measure announced today was a programme of cultural events titled Summer Night at Moore Street. The initiative will operate every Thursday and will rejuvenate the Moore Street market area into “an early evening and night-time outdoor food and culture gala this July and August”.

3 new Night-Time Economy initiatives just announced:

🟢 €2m for soundproofing in night clubs and late night venues
🟢 €800k for 12 pilot projects in arts centres across Ireland for late night programming
🟢 Funding for Summer Nights at Moore Street https://t.co/84VUesELPI pic.twitter.com/Dz0zC4R5Gh

— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) July 18, 2023

“The Late-Night Events Pilot Programme which I am announcing today, will seek to use our publicly funded cultural spaces around the country to their fullest potential and make them appealing to new audiences,” said the Green Party Minister at today’s event.

“If we are going to develop our cities and towns as vibrant places to live, socialise and work we need to manage the Night-Time Economy in a balanced way so we support those residents living in our busy towns and cities, whilst also supporting the growth and development of our Night-Time Economy Sector,” She added.

When questioned over the recent fall in TV license payments this month, Minister Martin reiterated that everyone should pay their license fee not only because it's the law, but also to support the wellbeing of public broadcasters and media as a whole.