Kilkenny County Council launch 18 month pilot as part of Night-Time Economy Action Plan

Kilkenny County Council have launched the 'Kilkenny City pilot Night Time Economy Action Plan 2024-2025' and intend to identify a number of key night time opportunities for development over the next 18 months, with particular focus on creating new and exciting concepts after 6pm between Sunday and Thursday.

The news was announced at the launch of a new five year tourism development plan for Kilkenny by Fáilte Ireland at St Canice’s Cathedral today (Tuesday, April 30).

A new Night Time Economy Diversification Fund has been opened for applications and is designated to support applicants to trial new and exciting concepts. The deadline for applications under Call One is Friday, May 24.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael Doyle, said: "The action plan offers a structured framework to continue nurturing our vibrant night time economy, which is an integral aspect of Kilkenny’s identity. Built upon four strategic pillars—placemaking, mobility and accessibility, safety and security, evening and night time activity and marketing and promotion, this plan sets out objectives and actions aimed at collectively strengthening and invigorating Kilkenny’s night time economy."

"By working with our partners, we want to deliver on the 24 actions in the pilot plan to achieve our vision as the foremost evening and night time destination in Ireland. In doing so we will be in a position to balance the needs of the inter-related communities that co-exist to bring the night to life and offer a sustainable, vibrant, cultural and diverse experience," Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Lar Power added.

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Night Time Economy Advisor for Kilkenny City, Conor Sweeney, commented: "Since my appointment last October, I have been energised by the positive engagement within the membership of our stakeholder forum, the various agencies and groups across the City and the members of the public who proactively participated in the consultation process. The actions set out within the plan are a result of the direct feedback we have receiving over the last six months on the areas to focus on."

For more information, visit www.kilkennycoco.ie