Introducing the Galway City Night-Time Economy, a collaborative action plan designed to build on and promote the city’s night-time culture and economy. Read all about it here..
What is the Night-Time Economy?
The Night-Time Economy (NTE) encompasses various stakeholders and offers diverse activities such as cultural events, entertainment, hospitality, festivals, community, sports, and retail, aiming to create a safe and welcoming environment for both work and leisure between 6pm and 6am. A thriving NTE is fostered by well-designed public spaces, efficient transportation, and diverse activities throughout this timeframe.
above: Art by Courtney Davis, photo by Steve O'Connor
The focused development of the Night-Time Economy in Ireland originated from a post-COVID-19 response to support the sectors badly affected by the pandemic. Following on from a commitment under the Programme for Government, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media established a multi-agency task force to examine the challenges facing the development of a vibrant night-time culture and economy.
In 2021, Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media published a report from the NTE Taskforce. Action 19 calls for a pilot initiative to establish new "Night-Time Advisors" to develop new Night-Time Economy opportunities. There are currently 9 NTE Advisors in place - Drogheda, Sligo, Kilkenny, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Longford, Dublin, Buncrana.
The Galway City Night-Time Economy Action Plan is a collaborative effort among stakeholders, working towards shared visions and actions to unlock the NTE's full potential. This pilot programme offers Galway City a chance to initiate new projects and partnerships, implementing ideas that can contribute to the long-term sustainability of the NTE.
Shaped in a collaborative effort by local and national stakeholders and overseen by Galway City Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, this plan complements national policies and programs while aligning with local and regional strategies for Galway City. As a "live" 19-month plan, it allows for the adoption of new initiatives during its implementation through ongoing stakeholder collaboration.
above: photo from Unsplash
Goals of Galway’s Night-Time Economy
Galway City already boasts a vibrant Night-Time Economy, and the main objective is to further strengthen, broaden and diversify the city's night-time appeal to visitors, families, and other hospitality, cultural, community and leisure activities in a safe environment. Galway City Council also seeks to ensure the city remains an attractive place to live, requiring a harmonious coexistence of hospitality, cultural, sporting, community and residential uses.
The aim of this initiative is to grow NTE activity through enhanced collaborative structures at local level, supported by a Night-Time Economy Advisor. Building upon the initial consultation and the recurring themes that were identified, the Galway City Night-Time Economy Pilot Action Plan establishes three strategic goals - Infrastructure, Experiences, and Communications - to guide targeted actions within the pilot timeframe. These pillars represent key areas of focus, aligned with the vision of fostering a thriving, diverse, safe, accessible, and sustainable night-time economy in Galway City.
The Galway City Council Action Plan 2024-2025 can be viewed at: https://www.galwaycity.ie/night-time-economy
above: Art by Dee Mulrooney, photo by Steve O'Connor
These goals are as follows:
Infrastructure: To enhance the city’s physical and supportive environment to ensure it is welcoming, safe, and equipped to foster a diverse and vibrant night-time economy.
Experiences: To build upon Galway City’s existing vibrant events calendar to further enhance the evening and night-time offering for both residents and visitors, catering to a wide range of interests.
Communications: To develop a clear and consistent message about Galway’s unique night-time experience, utilising effective communication and marketing strategies to reach a broad audience and drive engagement.
Underpinning these goals are three core principles of safety, sustainability and inclusion. This approach helps to provide a framework for developing a vibrant, diverse, safe, accessible, and sustainable night-time economy in Galway City.
For more updates on Galway’s Night-Time Economy Action Plan and implementation, follow Galway City Councils social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This is Galway is working with Galway City Council to create a cohesive narrative around Galway's night-time offerings, ensuring both residents and visitors alike discover the diverse experiences that await them. From cultural events and live music to late-night dining and unique attractions, we're shining a spotlight on the energy and excitement that make Galway's Night-Time Economy and culture truly special. For more information go to https://thisisgalway.ie/nighttime/
above: photo by Chaosheng Zhang
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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