Could late-night coffees become a thing in Kilkenny? Will restaurants and bars get extensions to opening times? Is there enough happening to draw you into Kilkenny city at night or is there something that needs to happen to shift your perspective?
It’s over two years since the publication of the report of the Night-time Economy Taskforce, the report looking at a range of sectors and stakeholders – cultural activity, entertainment, hospitality, festivals, sport and retail activity etc., specifically looking at what’s going on in towns and cities around the country during evening and night-time hours.
Released in 2021, we’re flashing forward to 2024 where Kilkenny County Council have opened surveys for punters and businesses alike to have their say on the shape of the night-time economy for Kilkenny city – the good, the bad and the ugly. The Marble City was one of nine pilot towns/cities in the country that will prepare and implement an action plan that will set out “a range of interventions to support the coordinated development of our night-time economy.” As of this week, it all starts with a survey.
On the public side, the council say the survey “is an opportunity for residents of County Kilkenny and visitors to the city to provide their feedback on the challenges and opportunities that exist and assist us in realising our ambition to develop Kilkenny City as the foremost evening and night time destination which can offer a sustainable vibrant, cultural and diverse experience. The feedback provided will form the basis for the action plan and will allow us to focus on the key priorities.
On the commercial front, it presents “an opportunity for businesses and organisations in the city to provide their feedback on the challenges and opportunities there are to realise our ambition to develop Kilkenny City as the foremost evening and night time destination which can offer a sustainable vibrant, cultural and diverse experience. The feedback provided will form the basis for the action plan and will allow us to focus on the key priorities.”
Among suggestions for night-time activities in Kilkenny that could be prioritised are more alcohol-free events, longer opening hours for restaurants/cafes/bars and a night market, coupled with increased safety at night, greater availability of public transport to improved street lighting.
So if you fancy having your say on what Kilkenny city could look like in the evening and night-time, you’ll find links below.
- Kilkenny city night time economy public survey
- Business survey of Kilkenny City’s evening and night-time economy
Both surveys remain open until Friday 2 February.
