Dublin conference urges integrated policy for night‑time economy

Dublin’s night‑time economy was highlighted as needing to be built into city planning at a conference titled “The Bright Nights, Big City: Culture, Music, and the Future of the Night‑Time Economy”.

The event, held at the National Concert Hall, featured more than 30 speakers from Ireland and abroad and was presented by AIM Ireland and Dublin City Council’s night‑time economy adviser Ray O’Donoghue, with support from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

Speakers stressed a joined‑up approach linking culture, transport, safety, planning, licensing, affordability and public space. Ray O’Donoghue said the night‑time economy must be considered from the start of city planning rather than added on later, and called for moving from pilots to long‑term policy, investment and delivery.

Colm Hanley, managing director of AIM Ireland, highlighted the importance of investing in Irish music and grassroots venues that nurture talent. Michael Kill, CEO of the UK Nighttime Industries Association, echoed the call for a coordinated strategy.

Concerns were raised about pressure on cultural spaces, with calls for greater protection of existing pubs, clubs, independent promoters and creative businesses, as well as imaginative use of vacant buildings and public areas.

CORE Research presented data showing a decline in nightclubs from 522 in the early 2000s to 82 today, while 77 per cent of the public still express an appetite for music.

Source: Dublin Gazette. Photo: David Costello Photography / Pexels.