DUBLIN, Ireland - Ireland is to establish a new taskforce which will see a range of departments, agencies and groups work together to promote and develop a vibrant and sustainable night-time culture and economy.

"The establishment of a Night-Time Economy Taskforce is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and I am delighted that my Department will be leading and driving this initiative," Catherine Martin, the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht said Thursday.

"The importance of working collaboratively with all relevant partners including key government departments and agencies cannot be overstated. I want creative thinking and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the night-time economy and I want every opportunity explored and maximised. I am particularly pleased that Sunil Sharpe of Give us the Night has agreed to participate in the Task Force, as well as the Lord Mayors of Dublin and Cork cities, who have already overseen much work in this area," Martin said

"I am also asking the Taskforce to conduct an intensive stakeholder engagement process with all relevant sectors and interested parties who have a significant role in the night-time economy to ensure that all views and ideas are considered by the Taskforce. While it won't be possible to have every interested party on the Taskforce, they can be sure that their views will be heard and will be an important part of the process."

"Covid-19 has severely restricted social gatherings and has been detrimental to the night time economy and culture of our cities, towns and villages. However, as the economy opens up in the coming months (dependent on the current health advice), the industry needs to be ready to bounce back and to have as few obstacles as possible to develop and grow. This Taskforce will be well placed to look at all the challenges facing the development of a vibrant night time culture and economy such as regulations, licencing laws, transport, and diversity of cultural activities among other issues," the minister added.

The Taskforce will be chaired by the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht and will meet in the coming weeks. It is expected to deliver a report with policy recommendations to the minister within six months of its first meeting.

(Image credit: Earth Cam).