Sinn Féin bring motion to save the night-time economy – Pat Buckley TD

Sinn Féin TD for Cork East, Pat Buckley has urged Senators to back the party’s

proposals to improve the night-time economy, when they come before the Seanad today.

The motion will be debated at 7.30pm and calls on the government to urgently introduce a package of measures to save and improve nightlife which is under immense pressure across the state.

Speaking today, Teachta Buckley said:
 
“We have been losing cultural spaces and venues at an alarming rate. Night-life forms an important part of culture and economy. Despite this, the government has failed to act and has ignored the calls of the sector for much-needed support.

“Nightclubs not only employ staff across hospitality and the arts and culture sector, they are an important community space for people to gather and express themselves culturally. We have seen here in Cork East many venues shut their doors for the last time, as these pressures have proven insurmountable.  

“Property costs, prohibitive insurance premiums, restrictive licensing laws and associated fees have had a crippling effect on businesses and cultural activity. 

“Successive Governments have failed to sufficiently update legislation. Current legislation is out of date and unfit for the year 2022.

“Sinn Féin’s motion in the Seanad will set out clearly what needs to happen now. This includes reforming licensing laws, trading hours and an end to early closing on Sundays. It also calls for increased roll out of 24 hour bus routes, fairer regulations for taxis and harm reduction campaigns to ensure communities remain safe.

“The solutions are there if the political will is there.

“Sinn Féin in government would stand up for communities to ensure that the night-time economy is protected and enabled to thrive.”