New Safety Initiative Aims to Revitalize Night-Time Economy in Kilkenny

The Irish government has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing safety in the Night-Time Economy, which may pave the way for extended late-night openings in Kilkenny City. Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, unveiled the “Safe & Sound” safety training program that will offer free training for businesses involved in the night-time sector over the next 12 months.

The initiative targets a variety of establishments, including pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, theatres, cultural venues, festivals, gyms, and taxi services. It focuses on increasing awareness of vulnerabilities that arise after dark, equipping night-time workers with the knowledge to act responsibly in their roles.

The training comprises several online modules, each lasting approximately 30 minutes, covering crucial topics such as anti-sexual harassment, drink spiking awareness, and violence against women and girls. This comprehensive approach aims to instill a greater sense of responsibility among those working during late hours.

Impacts on Kilkenny’s Night-Time Landscape

This announcement comes at a time when Kilkenny County Council is actively seeking proposals from local businesses and community groups to develop projects that support the growth of the night-time economy in Kilkenny City. Following two previous funding calls earlier this summer, the council is looking for innovative ideas that could expand evening events in the city from Sunday to Thursday after 18:00 during September, October, and November.

Yet, despite these optimistic moves, the viability of a sustainable late-night economy in Kilkenny remains uncertain. According to findings reported by Kilkenny Live, the county has seen a significant decline in its pub scene, with 57 pubs closing since 2005. This marks a decline of 25.2%, reducing the number of pubs from 226 to 169. This trend mirrors a national decrease, with over 2,100 pubs closing across Ireland since 2005, resulting in a total of 6,498 pubs compared to 8,617.

Minister O’Donovan emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This training initiative and policy templates support a key recommendation in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and is another step in supporting our efforts to make Ireland’s nightlife safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone.” He further noted that equipping workers with the necessary knowledge fosters a cultural shift towards prioritizing safety, respect, and wellbeing in night-time experiences.

Implementation and Future Directions

The “Safe & Sound” initiative is spearheaded by the nine Night-Time Economy Advisors and developed by Nighttime Economy Solutions (NTES), an organization recognized as a global leader in the sector. The program is funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Night-Time Economy pilot project. Each policy is aligned with Irish law, providing clear operational guidance for frontline staff, managers, and venue owners.

As Kilkenny City looks toward revitalizing its night-time offerings, the effectiveness of this safety training initiative will be critical. The proposals submitted to the council will play a significant role in shaping the future of events and activities in the city, ultimately determining whether Kilkenny can establish a thriving late-night economy.

For ongoing updates and insights regarding Kilkenny’s night-time developments, residents and interested parties can refer to next week’s issue of the Kilkenny People newspaper.