Call for night-time economy to be embedded in policy Bright Nights Big City conference

Call for night-time economy to be embedded in policy
Conference took place at National Concert Hall on 22 September 2026
Nightclubs in Ireland fell from 522 to 82
77 pc of public express appetite for music
Bright Nights Big City to return in 2027

Dublin’s night-time economy needs to be embedded in policy and city planning from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought according to a key message from the Bright Nights, Big City conference.

More than 30 speakers from Ireland and internationally gathered at the National Concert Hall on 22 September 2026 for the event presented by AIM Ireland and Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy Advisor Ray O’Donoghue with support from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Across the day speakers returned to the need for a more joined-up approach to culture, transport and safety alongside planning, licensing, affordability, public space and support for the people and businesses that make the night-time economy happen.

The pressure on cultural spaces and grassroots nightlife was a major theme. Speakers called for greater protection for existing venues pubs clubs independent promoters and creative businesses alongside more imaginative use of empty buildings and public spaces. CORE Research presented figures showing that the number of nightclubs in Ireland has fallen from 522 in the early 2000s to 82 today while 77 pc of the public still express an appetite for music. Safety was also a recurring theme with discussions highlighting harm reduction bystander awareness good late-night transport well-run venues and busy streets as contributing to a safer city after dark.

International contributors included Michael Stewart Belfast Night Czar Carly Heath Bristol’s former Night-Time Economy Advisor Michael Kill and Freek Wallagh Night Mayor of Amsterdam. Despite the international perspectives the message was not that Dublin should replicate another city but that it should build on its own culture communities and character. Following the conference a series of dedicated Bright Nights workshops and panel discussions will be revealed exploring key issues including culture transport safety licensing and space ahead of plans for Bright Nights Big City to return in 2027.

Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, shared: “If we’re serious about creating a better Dublin at night, the night-time economy needs to be thought about from the start when we plan our city, not added on afterwards. Culture, transport, and safety are all connected. So are planning, licensing and public space. The next stage has to be about joining those pieces together and moving from good conversations and pilots towards long-term policy, investment, and delivery.”