Review of night-time culture will help our towns and cities reach their full cultural potential – Neville

A review of Ireland’s night-time culture that is currently underway will transform the night-time economy in our towns and cities and ensure they are reaching their full cultural potential, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Tom Neville, TD for Limerick County, said, “My colleague, Minister for Heritage and Culture Josepha Madigan, is leading a review of our night-time cultural offering nationwide and this has the potential to transform what is available for people in our towns, cities and villages around the country in the evening and at night.

“A National Night Time Cultural Policy will be a first for Ireland and will bring us up to par with other European countries who have local night mayors appointed with responsibility for ensuring a vibrant and varied nightlife.

“This includes everything from our community theatres, our museums and galleries, as well as our music venues and creative spaces. It is vital that we do everything we can to ensure that the full potential of night-time cultural activity in our cities and towns is realised.

“It will bring much added value to our cultural life around the country and it is so important that people have ample choice when it comes to socialising and entertainment in the evenings.

“Part of this review should also look at our licencing laws to examine if the current system works for everyone, business owners and customers alike.

“A revamp of our night time culture will benefit business, customers and tourists visiting Ireland on holidays and will really boost our night-time economy,” Deputy Neville concluded.