Conference on Ireland's night-time economy
Summary
This episode examines the state of Ireland’s night-time economy following the country’s first dedicated conference on the topic. Guests Ray O’Donoghue and Kate Brennan-Harding discuss the decline in nightclub numbers and the need to modernize outdated licensing laws. They highlight efforts to improve safety, transport, and cultural offerings while addressing affordability barriers. The discussion concludes with a call to integrate night-time planning into broader urban policy to revitalize city centers.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the Night-Time Economy conference
Overview of the two-year nightlife strategy
Three pillars: culture, transport, and safety
Call to modernize outdated licensing laws
Causes of the decline in nightclub numbers
Impact of transport, safety, and synchronized closing times
Housing costs and the shift of creative communities
Cost of special exemption orders for pub owners
Night-time economy as a core policy priority
Future outlook and closing remarks
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