Pilot Grant launched to boost Waterford Night-Time Economy
Purple Flag and Waterford City and County Council have announced the launch of the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Scheme. Image:
Waterford Purple Flag and Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) have announced the launch of the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Grant for 2025.
The scheme aims to invigorate the creative and cultural heart of Waterford City during off-peak evening hours.
Venues, artists, performers, community groups and creative collaborators will be able to avail of grants, ranging from €500 to €1,000, to create events including live performances, exhibitions, wellness evenings, guided tours and workshops.
Director of Services at WCCC Michael Quinn explained: "The NTE grants will give artists, groups and businesses the opportunity to develop night-time initiatives that not only contribute to Waterford’s evening economy but place an emphasis on Waterford’s city centre as a safe, accessible and vibrant place after dark.
“The importance of the nighttime economy cannot be overemphasised, and the introduction of new, engaging and value-added initiatives will only serve to complement and enhance what’s on offer throughout the day.”
Applications are now open and the deadline for submissions is 4.30pm on Friday, August 22 2025. All supported events must take place Sunday to Thursday after 5pm between September 4 2025 and November 13 2025 within Waterford City’s Purple Flag Zone.
Go to waterford.submit.com to learn more.
Chair of the Purple Flag Committee and proprietor of Revolution Bar Jim 'Flash' Gordon welcomed the launch. He said: "The NTE Pilot Grant builds on the great progress already made in enhancing Waterford’s night-time economy. It provides targeted support to creative projects that bring life into the city centre in the evenings and encourages collaboration across the community. We’re pleased to see Waterford City and County Council continue to lead in this space, helping to grow and sustain the Purple Flag standard.”
Like many other proprietors in the city, Jim has been calling for more investments and supports to stimulate the city's night-time economy.
In 2025, elected members agreed on a budget of €1.6 million to support festivals, cultural events, and artistic programming across the city and county. WCCC will fund and administer the Pilot Grant.
