Minister Announces New “Safe & Sound” Training Initiative for Night-Time Economy Businesses and Workers.
A Night-Time Economy safety initiative called “Safe & Sound” will offer free online training and policy templates to Night-Time Economy businesses and their workers. This program, announced by Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, is designed to make nightlife safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Nine Night-Time Economy pilot locations, including Galway, will have free 12-month access to this practical training, with new policy templates available nationwide. The initiative focuses on enhancing the safety of both customers and workers by equipping staff with the tools to identify vulnerable individuals and prevent harm.
Developed by Night-Time Economy Solutions (NTES) and led by the nine Night-Time Economy Advisors, the training provides workers with increased awareness of their responsibilities and duty of care. The online platform includes a number of quick, 30-minute modules on critical topics:
- Anti-Sexual Harassment: Preventing and addressing harassment in nightlife settings.
- Bystander Intervention: Empowering safe intervention and support.
- Drink Spiking Awareness: Prevention and response strategies.
- Safeguarding and Vulnerability: Supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Understanding and addressing gender-based violence.
The "Safe & Sound" initiative also offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including 17 policy templates specifically tailored to the Irish legislative and cultural context. These policies provide clear operational guidance for frontline staff, managers, and venue owners, helping businesses implement best practices.
In addition to the online resources, Galway’s “Safe & Sound” initiative will be supported by a communications campaign designed to promote a culture of safety and respect. Working in partnership with An Garda Síochána, local businesses, and Universities, the campaign will feature radio advertisements, a social media presence, and branded assets for businesses and universities to use.
In addition, the Claddagh Watch will host an open house at its headquarters on Flood Street this September. This event allows key members of Galway's vibrant night-time economy to learn more about the organisation's mission and discuss potential collaborations. This session is open to: Festival organisers, Event producers, Event managers, Vintners, Security and door staff, Late-night venue operators
Announcing the training initiative, Minister O’Donovan said:
“This training initiative and policy templates support a key recommendation in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and support our efforts to make Ireland’s nightlife safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone. It also reflects my Department's commitment to supporting workers and businesses in the night-time economy with practical, accessible resources. By equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to act, we are laying the foundation for a cultural shift—one where safety, respect, and wellbeing are at the heart of our night-time experiences.”
Speaking about the initiative, the Mayor of the City of Galway, Mike Cubbard said:
"Galway is proud to be a pilot for the new 'Safe & Sound' initiative. This program is a vital step forward for our city's night-time economy, providing our local businesses and their staff with free, practical tools to proactively ensure a safer and more inclusive environment. By empowering our community with training on everything from bystander intervention to vulnerability awareness, we are not just investing in our nightlife—we are investing in the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. This is the kind of vibrant, secure, and welcoming city we are committed to building."
Kate Howard, Galway City Night-Time Economy Advisor, added:
"The 'Safe & Sound' training comes at a pivotal moment in the development of Irish Night-Time Economy. This initiative directly answers the need, voiced by businesses and workers, for accessible tools to enhance safety and foster an inclusive environment. The provision of the 17 tailored policy templates is a significant step forward, offering invaluable guidance to help businesses implement best practices. By giving the sector this comprehensive training and robust policy suite, we are empowering businesses to be proactive agents of change, ensuring both staff and patrons can enjoy our vibrant night-time economies with confidence and peace of mind."
How to Sign Up
Night-Time Economy businesses and workers in the nine pilot areas can sign up for the free “Safe & Sound” Online Training Portal: https://www.ntesacademy.com/safe-and-sound-online-training-portal
Policy templates are available to all Night-Time Economy Businesses nationwide: -> https://gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/campaigns/the-night-time-economy/
Night Time Economy Advisor contact: Kate Howard, Galway City Night-Time Economy Advisor, Kate.Howard@GalwayCity.ie