An extended 'Night Time Economy' in Kilkenny takes another step closer...

Kilkenny County Council has launched an online public survey to support the development of a 'Night Time Economy Action Plan' for Kilkenny City. 

In October 2022, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, confirmed that Kilkenny was one of nine towns/cities across the country to receive funding as part of a pilot initiative to support the development of a vibrant and diverse 'Night-Time Economy'.

Other towns/cities to be included are; Dublin City, Cork City, Galway City, Limerick City, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana and Longford Town.

Announcing the news this morning, a spokesperson from the local authority claimed the plan will 'set out a range of interventions to support the coordinated development of the night time economy.'

As part of the two-year pilot scheme, a dedicated 'Night Time Economy Advisor' has been appointed for the city and the formation of a 'stakeholder forum' representing cross sector business and community interests is underway.

The public survey intends to give members of the public an opportunity to give feedback on the challenges and opportunities that exist for the night time economy locally.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael Doyle, welcomed the news, commenting: "I would encourage everyone who lives in, works in or visits Kilkenny City to engage with and complete the survey."

"We have a real opportunity in Kilkenny to be at the forefront of identifying and implementing sustainable actions that will continue to provide an accessible and safe place for all those who want to enjoy what we have to offer as a City at night," he said.

"It will also encourage increased diversity and inclusivity in the night time economy which in turn will boost our local economy," Cllr Doyle added.

Kilkenny City Night Time Economy Advisor, Conor Sweeney, commented: "Since my appointment to the role in Kilkenny County Council I have been encouraged at how engaged the various stakeholders in the city are with regards to the night time economy.

"There is a keen sense of awareness within our stakeholder forum of the importance of the night time economy to the fabric of Kilkenny City," Mr Sweeney stated.

"Equally there is an understanding that in order to enhance our night time offering even more, we need to focus on areas such as transportation and accessibility, public realm, safety, night time economy activities and the marketing and promotion of our City at night."

"The implementation of a dedicated Action Plan will help us to realise our ambition to be the foremost destination in Ireland for an evening and night time experience," he concluded.