New government action takes longer late-night openings in Kilkenny closer

Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, has launched a new, 'Safe & Sound' safety training initiative which includes new policy templates for a wide range of businesses in the Night-Time Economy such as pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, theatres, cultural venues, festivals, gyms, taxi services, and more.

This training, which will be available free for 12 months in the nine Night-Time Economy Pilot areas, which includes Kilkenny City, will delve into the various aspects of vulnerability after dark. It is specifically tailored and developed for those working at night, providing workers with an increased awareness of their responsibilities and duty of care, and training in actions that must be taken to reduce identified risks.

The online training offers a number of express 30-minute modules in areas including: anti-sexual harassment, drink spiking awareness and violence against women and girls.

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This latest announcement suggests more night-time events may become reality in Kilkenny life over the coming years.

Earlier this summer, after two previous funding calls, Kilkenny County Council sought proposals from local businesses, community groups, event organisers, collaborators and individuals to develop projects that continue to support the growth and diversity of the project in Kilkenny City. 

It's expected those proposals will shape events that take place in the city between Sundays and Thursdays after 6pm during September, October and November.

But are local hopes of a sustainable late-night economy realistic?

Previous findings reported by Kilkenny Live found 57 pubs in the county have closed their doors since 2005, a reduction of 25.2% from 226 to 169 in a 19 year period. The closures in Kilkenny are closely reflected in the decline around the country with the number of pubs nationally falling by over 2,100 from 8,617 to 6,498, a drop of 24.6%.

"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," Minister O'Donovan said.

"By equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to act, we are laying the foundation for a cultural shift—one where safety, respect, and wellbeing are at the heart of our night-time experiences," he added.

The initiative has been led by the nine Night-Time Economy Advisors, developed by Nighttime Economy Solutions (NTES), a global leader in the sector, and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Night-Time Economy pilot project.

Each policy is grounded in Irish law, and includes clear operational guidance for frontline staff, managers, and venue owners.

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More details in next week's Kilkenny People newspaper