Night-time economy and venues
Deputy Heneghan raised the decline of Dublin’s night-time economy, citing disputes and venue closures such as the Hoxton Hotel and Izakaya. The Taoiseach said he would discuss the broader policy issue with the relevant Minister; the exchange turned light-hearted at the end.
An bhliain seo chaite, labhair mé leis an Taoiseach faoi shaol na hoíche i mBaile Átha Cliath thuaidh, agus i mBaile Átha Cliath go ginearálta. I asked the Taoiseach about saol na hoíche, the night-time economy in Dublin agus dúirt sé go raibh mé lán le fuinneamh. Tá mé fós lán le fuinneamh. Yesterday, the Taoiseach saw that the Hoxton Hotel is now seeking a High Court injunction against the long established Izakaya. I still attend nightclubs. I might look 35 but I am actually 27. It is not just a symbol of the wider problem facing the night-time economy. We are losing venue after venue, including The Complex, and it is not acceptable. Businesses are operating under outdated licensing laws and unfavourable legislation. I have spoken to the Give Us the Night campaign, which said it is very disappointed with the commitment of the Government and that the night-time economy initiative, in particular relating to the policy on noise, planning and licensing, has effectively stalled. What is the current plan to protect and grow Dublin and Cork's nightlife? When will we see real licensing that will address uncertainty? We might qualify for the World Cup. The pubs need to be open if the matches are at 2 a.m.
Comment on this
Clearly, the Deputy was not at a nightclub last night. He is full of the joys of spring, despite the rain and all the rest. Deputy O'Gorman raised a similar issue yesterday. I undertook to speak to the Minister for justice in this regard. Maybe I should have left him take the question. There is a broader issue. Clearly, we will discuss this with the Minister concerned. There was an earlier iteration of this under the previous Government in terms of a broader policy. Towards the latter end of the previous Government, the issue was revisited and there was a reduction in enthusiasm for it, to put it bluntly. The night-time economy is important, in particular in terms of our broader framework for visitors and so on and young people. The nature of nightlife has changed. There is much more autonomy. People are not shepherded into one venue. The interest of young people is key-----