Funding crucial to success of Cork's first night-time economy strategy, councillors warn
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Funding will be vital to ensure the success of Cork's first night-time economy strategy which aims to make the city a 24-hour destination.
The call came as city councillors adopted the plan on Monday which seeks to improve the range of offerings in the city between 6pm and 6am.
The document sets out a broad vision for the city’s night-time economy under the headings of neighbourhoods and community, culture, diversity and accessibility, nighttime animation, safety and security, transport and city movement, and public spaces.
Several projects are already underway including plans for an open-air concert on the rooftop of the North Main Street car park, the “Leave a Light On” campaign, and the Coffee House Lates initiative that's encouraging cafes to open later.
But the document contains almost 40 key actions to be delivered under the various headings over the coming years, including:
- trialing nighttime tours and walks to explore the cultural aspects of the city;
- lighting public monuments and buildings to create vibrancy at night;
- encouraging retailers to open later;
- developing late-night cultural events and festivals;
- auditing late-night venues for accessibility, working with the LGBTQ+ community on a ‘safer night campaign’, working to support sex workers, and investigating the potential for a safe or quiet space in the city for neurodivergent people;
- working with gardaí to increase patrols between 6pm and 6am, engaging with bouncers and security staff on new safety initiatives, and developing an antisocial behaviour campaign;
- and improving late-night public transport for people socialising in the city and for night-time workers.
The strategy also says frequent, dependable, and safe after-hours transport is important to developing a vibrant night-time economy.
Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle said the approval of the document 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,” he said.
And while city councillors welcomed the strategy, they said funding support, especially from central government, will be vital if key ideas, especially around security and transport, are to be implemented.
Labour Cllr Peter Horgan said each of the suggestions are positive but a bigger team and more support from central government are needed to deliver them.
Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy described it as a positive strategy, and praised the city’s nighttime advisor, Fiona Collins, for the level of collaboration involved so far.
“But we need funding to go with this plan,” he said.
“There needs to be several tens of thousands of euros going with this. It would be an awful shame to let it sit on a shelf, and that nothing happens with it, so I would call for a funding stream from this council to pick off some of the low-lying fruit, that we can get going with some very practical ideas,” he said.
Labour Cllr Laura Harmon said key safety suggestions in the strategy are linked to garda resources and public transport.
“We are under-resourced in terms of gardaí. People are telling us they don’t feel safe going into the city at night, and this isn't to talk negatively but it is a huge issue that affects the economy,” she said.
“And public confidence in public transport in Cork is at an all-time low. Extra bus services at night is in the strategy but we need to follow up on that.”