359. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will, through the nighttime economy unit, commission a comprehensive assessment of the economic impact and value of Ireland’s night-time economy, to better understand its role and potential for growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52627/26]

The Night-Time Economy is an important component in the overall development of Irish towns and cities, playing a crucial role in economic growth, cultural vibrancy, social vitality, urban and rural regeneration. The economic impacts of the Night-Time Economy are far-ranging, spanning retail, hospitality, tourism and night-time cultural life, and a thriving Night-Time Economy is an important means of diversifying and revitalising both national and local economies.

Following the publication of the Night-Time Economy Task Force Report in 2021, a high-level Night-Time Economy (NTE) Implementation Group was established by my Department. The work of the Implementation Group to date has made valuable impacts in bringing the benefits of a vibrant NTE into public discourse as well as affecting policy development across Government.

This year, the Implementation Group established a number of thematic subgroups, including a dedicated Economic and NTE Data subgroup, to deepen work on actions in this area. This includes further progressing a coordinated data collection, presentation and evaluation strategy with the National Town Centre First Office.

The Night-Time Advisors located in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Sligo, Buncrana (Donegal), Longford, Limerick, Drogheda (Louth) and Dublin have all made progress on collecting data relating to the Night-Time Economy in their areas. The pilots have all used consultation and public surveys to discover attitudes to the NTE and priorities for improvement. Footfall counters have been used in a number of pilot locations to gain insight into movement and pedestrian traffic. NTA passenger data is being used to inform and monitor the pilot One@One later rural bus routes in Longford, Sligo and Buncrana. In recent months, Mastercard retail spend data has been made available to the local authorities. This is a valuable tool for the NTE Advisors and local authorities in building a picture of the scale and impact of the Night-Time Economy at a local level.

My Department will continue to work with the relevant departments and agencies in its efforts to explore and coordinate data collection and examine further opportunities to develop and sustain a vibrant, diverse, safe and inclusive night-life across the country.