New plans launched in Kilkenny in a bid to save local night-time scene
The initiative was first rolled out in Kilkenny over a year ago
After two successful funding calls, Kilkenny County Council is once again seeking proposals from local businesses, community groups, event organisers, collaborators and individuals to develop projects that continue to support the growth and diversity of the night time economy in Kilkenny City.
Call three will support events that take place in the city between Sundays and Thursdays after 6pm during September, October and November.
The council initiative is wide ranging and is not exclusive to pubs. However, the local hospitality industry is an important arm of Kilkenny life and new figures don't make pretty reading.
Kilkenny Live are reporting 57 pubs in the county have closed their doors since 2005, a reduction of 25.2% from 226 to 169 in a 19 year period. The closures in Kilkenny are closely reflected in the decline around the country with the number of pubs nationally falling by over 2,100 from 8,617 to 6,498, a drop of 24.6%.
The Kilkenny City night-time economy is a pilot program aimed at strengthening and invigorating the city's evening and night-time economic presence in a collaborative effort between Kilkenny County Council and relevant stakeholders.