New “Safe & Sound” Safety Training Initiative for Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Today, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, announced the launch[...]

Today, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, announced the launch of Safe & Sound, a new safety training and policy resource for Ireland's Night-Time Economy.

The initiative provides 12 months' free online access to short, practical training modules for businesses and workers in the nine Night-Time Economy Pilot locations, including Dublin City. Modules cover:

• Anti-sexual harassment
• Bystander intervention
• Drink spiking awareness
• Safeguarding
• Violence against women and girls (VAWG)

In addition to the training, 17 new policy templates are being made available nationwide to help pubs, restaurants, venues, festivals, cultural spaces and other businesses implement best practice in safety, welfare, and vulnerability support.

The Safe & Sound programme has been developed by Night-Time Economy Solutions (NTES) in partnership with the nine Night-Time Advisors, and is funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

Ray O'Donoghue, Dublin's Night-Time Advisor, said:

"This initiative ties in with other safety measures as part of Dublin City's Night-Time Economy strategy. The emphasis is on supporting safety measures in the city. The combination of free training and clear policy templates will help raise standards across the sector, not just in Dublin but in every pilot area. It's a positive step towards a safer, more inclusive nightlife for everyone."

How to get involved:

• Businesses in the nine pilot areas, including Dublin City, can sign up for the Safe & Sound online training portal Bundle: Irish NTE Advisors
• Dublin Night-Time Economy Strategy can be found here DCC NIght-Time Strategy

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

The Safe & Sound Online Training Portal and suite of policy templates is a direct outcome of consultations held during the development of the nine local Night-Time Economy Action Plans and recommendations from the Night-Time Economy Advisors. It also reflects key recommendations from the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, established in 2020 under the Programme for Government. The Taskforce's 2021 report outlined 36 actions to diversify events, enhance cultural opportunities, and foster innovation in the sector. This online training initiative directly supports those goals by helping to build a safer, more vibrant night-time economy across Ireland.

The initiative has been led by the nine Night-Time Economy Advisors from Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny City, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana, and Longford Town, developed by Night Time Economy Solutions (NTES), a global leader in the sector and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Night-Time Economy pilots.

The development of this bespoke online training portal and suites of policy templates is aimed at Night-Time Economy workers and was based on consultations and feedback from business who have already participated in a number of in-person safety training who highlighted the need for more flexible training options.

The new "Safe and Sound" platform offers accessible, 30-minute express modules that are available 24/7 for 12 months across the nine Night-Time Economy Pilot cities and towns. after which, its impact and potential for a wider national rollout will be reviewed. Participants can access these self-led, fully flexible courses at any time, allowing to start, pause, and continue as schedules permit. Downloadable resources and policy templates support the learning process, and certificates are sent automatically upon completion. Designed with the unique demands of the Night-Time Economy in mind, the training is suitable for a wide range of businesses and individuals, including pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, theatres, cultural venues, festivals, gyms, taxi services, and more.