Cork can have a vibrant, safe night economy

I read with interest The Echo article ‘Extra drinking hours will only fan the flames of public disorder’ (Trevor Laffan, Nov 24).

The concerns raised about public safety, anti-social behaviour, and the pressures on Garda resources are valid, and these challenges, which I know Cork city also grapples with, should not be underestimated.

However, I believe it’s important to clarify the broader potential of extending opening hours as part of a carefully planned strategy to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and safe night-time economy.

Extending opening hours is not about encouraging excessive alcohol consumption. Rather, it aims to modernise outdated licensing laws to foster a richer, more diverse nightlife.

In cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Lisbon, extended hours, when ed by strong regulatory frameworks, have contributed to safer and more dynamic night-time economies.

Proactive Measures to Address Anti-Social Behaviour

Dublin is already implementing significant measures to reduce anti-social behaviour and enhance public safety in its night-time economy. The nationwide Safe and Sound campaign promotes positive actions and shared responsibility to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Additionally, Dublin has introduced a welfare area, offering a safe space with first aid and for those in need during their night out. Plans are underway to make this welfare area semi-permanent in the coming weeks.

These initiatives are not limited to Dublin. Across Ireland’s nine pilot cities and towns with Night-Time Economy Advisors, including Cork, similar measures are being rolled out, with local authorities, businesses, and communities working together to develop tailored solutions that balance safety, culture, and economic opportunity.

Cultural and Generational Shifts

Contrary to concerns that extending opening hours will exacerbate alcohol-related problems, Ireland is undergoing a cultural shift, especially among younger generations.

Alcohol consumption has been steadily declining in recent years, with younger people moving away from the binge-drinking culture that once dominated Irish nightlife.

Dublin City Council’s recent night-time economy strategy reflects this change, prioritising non-alcohol-related activities such as late-night cultural events, live music, and family-friendly offerings.

By expanding the range of activities available, we aim to create an inclusive and varied night-time economy that appeals to diverse audiences, not just in Dublin but in Cork, Limerick, Galway, and beyond.

Addressing Public Safety Concerns

The Echo article rightly highlights concerns about anti-social behaviour, public transport safety, and Garda resource pressures.

However, these issues are not solely attributable to alcohol or extended hours; they are part of broader societal challenges that require multi-faceted responses.

I calls for increased Garda visibility in high-traffic night-time areas, including Cork city, along with advocating for the establishment of a dedicated Garda unit for public transport. Enhanced community safety initiatives, improved transport options, and collaboration between authorities, businesses, and communities are essential for tackling these concerns effectively.

Benefits of Extended Hours

One of the key benefits of extended hours is the ability to stagger closing times, which can help alleviate the ‘bottleneck’ effect caused by uniform closures at 2.30am. This can ease pressure on Garda resources and improve public transport experiences, while reducing late-night congestion.

Importantly, a recent survey in Dublin revealed that approximately 88% of those under 35 and 75% under 50 the change in licensing hours, indicating significant public backing for the reform.

I believe these benefits would also be evident in Cork, where a more dynamic and diverse night-time economy could help drive both local culture and tourism.

A Nationwide Vision for Night-Time Culture

The proposed changes to licensing hours are part of a broader vision to modernise Ireland’s night-time economy. Inspired by successful examples from other European cities, these reforms aim to position Dublin - and cities like Cork - as cultural and creative hubs. By embracing modern licensing laws and ing late-night cultural programming, we can unlock the potential of our night-time economies, benefiting locals, businesses, and tourists alike.

Conclusion: Collaboration is Key

The success of these changes depends on collaboration between Gardaí, local authorities, businesses, and communities in both Dublin and Cork. Increased Garda resources, improved transport options, and robust licensing enforcement will be critical in ensuring extended hours are implemented safely.

By modernising our approach and addressing public safety concerns head-on, we can create a night-time economy that is vibrant, safe, and welcoming to all.