More than 600 submissions have been logged so far from the public about the city after dark which will be used to shape Galway’s first night-time economy action plan.

The initiative, being driven by Galway’s first Night-time Economy Advisor, Kate Howard, is expected to be in place before a new licensing system allowing late venues to open until 6am is adopted.

With the latest indications from the Department of Justice that the new licensing system could be in place by this May, the action plan will be pivotal to how very late openings will be received by residents and businesses not directly benefiting from that extra spend.

From conversations she has had with businesses considering applying for the early morning licence, most are interested in licences for special occasions only, such as during big festivals, revealed Ms Howard.

“Business will have to assess what the demand and what’s the cost. I can’t imagine it being a regular night-time occurrence,” she said.

After some months in the job, Ms Howard is considering implementing a number of projects in the short-term. These include introducing quiet zones in streets with large number of residents and facilitating safeguarding and vulnerability training for bar and door staff.

She hopes to have a night market set up before next Christmas to encourage late night shoppers instead of just weekend browsing.
This is a shortened preview version of this story. To read the rest of the article, see the February 23 edition of the Galway City Tribune. You can support our journalism and buy a digital edition HERE.