Kilkenny County Council launches pilot Night Time Economy Action Plan

Kilkenny County Council have launched the Kilkenny City pilot Night Time Economy Action Plan 2024-2025. The plan was published in tandem with the launch of Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Experience Development Plan at St Canice’s Cathedral. The appointment of a night time economy advisor and the establishment of a night time economy stakeholder forum along with the development of a bespoke action plan follows Kilkenny City’s successful designation as a pilot area for the night time economy for two years by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael Doyle, said

“I welcome the introduction of this pilot Night Time Economy Action Plan for Kilkenny City. The action plan offers a structured framework to continue nurturing our vibrant night time economy, which is an integral aspect of Kilkenny’s identity. Built upon four strategic pillars—placemaking, mobility & accessibility, safety & security, evening & night time activity and marketing and promotion, this plan sets out objectives and actions aimed at collectively strengthening and invigorating Kilkenny’s night time economy”

Commenting on the plan, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Lar Power, remarked that the implementation of the plan aligns with the local authorities Full Forward 2030 ambition to create a city that residents and future generations can be proud of, offering a high quality of life and opportunities for all.

“The establishment of a highly engaged stakeholder forum and an inclusive consultation process have been key elements in the creation of this plan, the first of its kind in Ireland. By working with our partners, we want to deliver on the 24 actions in the pilot plan to achieve our vision as the foremost evening and night time destination in Ireland. In doing so we will be in a position to balance the needs of the inter-related communities that co-exist to bring the night to life and offer a sustainable, vibrant, cultural and diverse experience”

Night Time Economy Advisor for Kilkenny City, Conor Sweeney, said that the short timeframe of 18 months for implementation for the pilot ensures the plan is focused on key deliverables. 

“Since my appointment last October, I have been energised by the positive engagement within the membership of our stakeholder forum, the various agencies and groups across the city and the members of the public who proactively participated in the consultation process. The actions set out within the plan are a result of the direct feedback we have receiving over the last six months on the areas to focus on. One of first actions to be implemented is the establishment of a Night Time Economy Diversification Fund and we are pleased to open Call 1 for applications today. This fund has been designed to support applicants to trial new and exciting concepts that will enable the growth and diversity of the night time economy in the city”

Note:

Kilkenny City has been designated as a pilot city from October 2023 to September 2025. The other 8 towns and cities participating in the pilot are Dublin City, Cork City, Galway City, Limerick City, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana and Longford Town.

Under the Night Time Economy Diversification Fund Kilkenny County Council is seeking proposals from local businesses, community groups, event organisers, collaborators and individuals to develop projects that will support the growth and diversity of the night time economy in Kilkenny City. It has been designed to support applicants to try new and exciting concepts after 6pm between Sunday and Thursday. Call 1 will support events that take place between 9^th June and 29^th August. The deadline for applications under Call 1 is Friday 24^th May.

The pilot Night Time Economy Action plan for Kilkenny City and the grant applications for the funding scheme can be downloaded at https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kilkenny/Enterprise-Development/Night-Time-Economy/