1625. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the salaries for seconded nighttime economy officers across local authorities are continuing for the year 2026-2027 and are being factored into local authority budgets; to detail, those officers, by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60404/26]

The Night-Time Economy is an important component in the development of towns and cities, playing a crucial role in economic growth, cultural vibrancy, social vitality, and urban regeneration. The Night-Time Economy pilots have been a significant project in this policy area. The Night-Time Advisors have been working closely with key stakeholders and partners in their local areas and have been effective in developing local strategies, creating a sense of common purpose and cohesion among stakeholders and groups.

In support of Action 19 of the Report of the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Taskforce, funding was approved for an initial two-year full-time post at Local Authority Grade VII scale in each of the local authorities selected for the Night-Time Economy pilots. The Night-Time Economy Advisor is recruited and directly employed by the local authority who provides the Advisor with a supportive reporting structure within the local authority that can best facilitate the role.

The NTE advisors are:

In 2025, my Department commissioned Communiqué International to undertake an independent review of the nine Night-Time Economy pilots. I have examined the findings in the Report from this review, and I have met with my officials in relation to the recommendations outlined in the Report. Having given consideration to those findings, I have recently agreed to extend the current pilot to the end of June 2027.

For 2026 I provided a total funding package of €1.23m to support the nine Night-Time economy pilots. This funding covers salary costs and expenses of €610k and includes a seed fund package of €65k per Advisor (€90k for Dublin).

The estimates and budgetary process for 2027 is not yet complete and the future funding for the pilots will be announced in due course. Local authorities prepare and adopt their own budgets and any budgetary decisions in this regard are a matter for the individual local authorities.