The extra funding now means that the night-time economy scheme is worth four million euros.

The Government added 1.4 million euros to the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme. Minister for Culture Catherine Martin confirmed this extra funding will encourage ‘off-peak’ entertainment in licensed and unlicensed venues around the country.

The funding allows pubs, nightclubs, cafes and other “suitable licensed and unlicensed premises” to apply for support to trial a “series of cultural activities”, with a four-event minimum.

Events include music, comedy, dance, literature, poetry, theatrical productions, plays, craft and art/photographic exhibitions. The scheme will offer up to 10,000 euros to venues per application.

The scheme reopened for more applications today at noon. It will remain open until August 10 at noon, or until the fund is exhausted.

The aim of the funding is to increase footfall is towns and cities around the country during off-peak times. According to Martin, the fund will be “providing artists with paying gigs and customers with a more alternative, diverse and inclusive night-time offering.”

“This Scheme offers an opportunity for businesses and artists to work together to try something new and see what works for them and for their customers,” Martin explained.

How to apply

Applicants can apply under two separate strands. Licensed premises such as pubs, restaurants and wine bars and nightclubs can apply to organise cultural events during off peak times from Monday to Thursday from 18:00 onwards.

Unlicensed premises including cafés, dry bars, local galleries and other suitable non-licensed premises can also apply. They can trial events a series of events/cultural activities in the later evening or night-time hours from 18:00. They must also commit to open until at least 21:00 in the evening, from Monday to Sunday.

Click here to apply for funding.

Elsewhere on District: Laws surrounding consent in rape trials to be strengthened