Galway City Council has launched its first Night-Time Economy (NTE ) Action Plan 2024-2025 – an innovative pilot initiative to engage young people in the night-time economy.
The comprehensive Night-Time Economy Action Plan is designed to develop and enhance the city’s offerings after 6pm, recognising the vital role a thriving night-time economy plays in the city’s economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and social well-being.
The plan focuses on a collaborative approach, to ensure a safe, inclusive and sustainable night-time environment for all. This pilot initiative is proudly supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media.
The Action Plan provides a framework for the management and development of Galway’s night-time economy, acknowledging its diverse nature which encompasses everything from cultural events and late-night hospitality to community gatherings and culture. A newly established Night-Time Economy Stakeholder Advisory Forum will oversee and ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives outlined in the plan.
“At the heart of the NTE Action Plan is the vision to build and maintain Galway’s vibrant, welcoming and inclusive night-time experience for residents, workers and visitors. Underpinning this are three goals: to enhance our infrastructure; build on the city’s vibrant events calendar; and develop a clear and consistent message about Galway’s unique night-time experience. This will benefit residents and visitors and enhance the city’s reputation. You can get a flavour of some of the initiatives going on across the city on ThisisGalway.ie/Nighttime We look forward to building on this as the action plan progresses.” said Kate Howard, Galway City Council, Night-Time Economy Advisor.
Initiatives already underway include: Summer Evenings at Tiny Traders Market - a pilot programme to extend operating hours on Fridays during the summer months; a communications campaign focused on public transport; a pilot partnership with This is Galway promoting and celebrating “Galway by Night,”; and safeguarding and vulnerability training for NTE workers and businesses.
Pilot programmes including TABÚ Club Night, Youth Lates and Café Lates are underway since September 2024. TABÚ is a Club Night providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community, showcasing a diverse lineup of artists. Youth Lates is a space for young people (aged 14-19 ) to participate in Galway’s night-time economy. The programme includes open mic and live music nights, craft cafés and game nights. Café Lates is a pilot initiative to encourage and support cafés to trial extending their hours and diversify Galway’s night-time offering. Six cafés are engaged in the pilot. Feedback on Youth Lates, TABÚ Club Night, Café Lates has been very positive to date.
Further actions outlined in the plan include: equipping public spaces to better present and deliver evening and night-time activities; enhancing public lighting; delivering disability awareness training for NTE businesses in partnership with the Disability Federation of Ireland, Access for All Galway City, and Fáilte Ireland; collaborating with An Garda Síochána on safety solutions and initiatives; supporting the development of night-time activations across city neighbourhoods and supporting and promoting both licensed and unlicensed experiences.
Welcoming the first Galway City Night-Time Action Plan, Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council, said he believes this plan will be instrumental in shaping a positive future for Galway’s night-time economy.
“The inter-organisation and inter-sector cooperation will be transformational for the city after six in the evening. In addition, Galway City Council has recently formed a new Strategic Policy Committee on Tourism Development, to include support for Galway City’s Night-Time Economy, Culture, Arts, Tourism and Community Development.
“By working together with the different stakeholders and public to deliver this action plan, we can ensure that Galway City continues to offer a vibrant and enjoyable experience for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits our city”.
Eveanna Ryan, Group Marketing and Innovation Manager at Connacht Hospitality Group, Vice President of Galway Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson of the newly established NTE advisory stakeholder group, said she is confident that this collaborative approach, guided by the expertise of the advisory forum, will build on and enhance Galway city’s night-time economy.
“By working together, we can create a thriving and inclusive night-time experience that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors,” she added.
The Galway City Council NTE Action Plan is available to view online at GalwayCity.ie/GalwayByNight
