Sligo Town’s Night-Time Economy Action Plan for 2024-2025 Published
Sligo, Ireland – Sligo Town’s Night-Time Economy Action Plan for 2024-2025 has officially been launched during the visit of Professor Gang Hoan Jeong, Director of the Korean Night-Time Economy and Tourism Research Center, to Sligo town.
Sligo is one of nine areas taking part in the Night Time Economy (NTE) pilot scheme of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Night-Time Economy . The other eight towns/cities involved are: Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Longford, Drogheda and Buncrana.
This comprehensive plan for Sligo Town, which is rooted in extensive research from the local public, business community, and key stakeholders, outlines a clear list of actions for Sligo’s evolving night-time culture. The Department’s initiative allows for each town or city, through stakeholder engagement, to identify the challenges and opportunities it faces, so a bespoke plan of action could be created.
Informed by international best practices, including the ATCM Purple Flag structure, the town’s action plan is centered around four key pillars: Wellbeing, Movement, Appeal, and Place. These pillars will guide the town’s night-time economy development ensuring that Sligo continues to thrive as a vibrant, safe, and attractive destination after dark.
Several initiatives within the Night-Time Economy Action Plan are already underway, with an investment of over €130,000 this year. Activities include the launch of the Sligo Tonight website, which promotes local events, the Safe & Sound Campaign to enhance public safety, and the popular Sligo On Ice skating rink, which was partially supported through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Night-Time Economy pilot funding.
Edel Doran, Sligo Town’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, commented on the plan’s launch:
“I’m thrilled for the Action Plan to be published, and especially for it to be launched during the South Korean delegation’s Night-Time Economy visit to Sligo Town. Tuhin Batra from ATU Sligo referred to the Night-Time Economy as an ecosystem, and it’s so true. Many stakeholders play a key role in the success and continued development of the town’s night-time economy. This action plan is very much centered around partnership. I’m very grateful for the support of Sligo BID, Sligo County Council, and the many partners who have shared their experience, insights, ideas, and suggestions in shaping this plan and in helping deliver these actions.”
Gail McGibbon, CEO of Sligo BID, added:
“Sligo BID is delighted with the publishing of the Sligo Town Night-Time Economy Action Plan. This represents the next step in building upon the work started in 2015, when Sligo was first awarded the Purple Flag – an internationally recognized award for excellence in managing the night-time economy.”
The Action Plan can be viewed online in the link below: