Later bar openings in the autumn have moved a step closer as plans for new extended Nitelink routes to transport revellers have been flagged by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.
Mr Ryan’s intervention came after Justice Minister Helen McEntee revealed that she will soon be introducing extended bar and nightclub opening hours to help kickstart the night-time economy.
The new Sale of Alcohol Bill is scheduled to be brought before Cabinet as soon as next month, with the new later opening hours kicking in shortly after the Bill is signed.
Read More: New opening laws could see Irish pubs and clubs serving until the early hours of the morning
However, Ms McEntee said that she is keen for there to be transport options in place for when people are coming out of pubs and clubs later at night.
And this is why she has urged transport chiefs and Minister Ryan to get on board.
A spokesman for Mr Ryan’s department said the transport minister “recognises that the demand for late-night transport is increasing and acknowledges that the National Transport Authority, in partnership with public transport operators, are proactively taking steps to meet that demand.”
It is also planned for there to be an expansion of 24 hour bus routes as later Nitelinks are rolled out.
They could include a 24-hour service on routes G1 and G2 as part of Phase 4 of the rollout of the new BusConnects network in Dublin this autumn.
And from next year it’s expected there also may be 24-hour services on the E-Spine, the F-Spine and the O-orbital.
The E and F routes service Charlestown Shopping Centre and Northwood, the city centre, and out to Bray and Dun Laoghaire.
The orbital route services the North and South Circular Road areas like a ring-road.
The department spokesman added: “The NTA (National Transport Authority) has indicated that there is potential for each of the spine groups to have at least one route running 24 hours, but final decisions will be made closer to the time of each rollout.
“The need for greater late-night services across the public transport network is being kept under review.”
Earlier this week, it was flagged by government sources that much later opening hours for bars and nightclubs will be proposed in the new Sale of Alcohol Bill to be introduced by Justice Minister Helen McEntee next month.
A senior government source told the Irish Mirror last night that the changes will be “major” and will “bring the licensing laws into the 21st century.”
The massive reforms of the licensing laws will be introduced by Ms McEntee as part of a wider government plan to stimulate the country’s night-time economy.
Although no official closing times have yet been approved or decided upon, major cities all over Europe that Dublin competes with for tourists are already open until up to 6am, while 4am is more common.
Read next:
Multiple emergency services units rush to scene after SuperValu truck crashes
Man killed in Drumcondra shooting may have lain there for days as Garda probe continues
Pilot arrested during €8.4m cocaine seizure was wearing bling €5k watch
Funeral of tragic Sligo accident victim to take place on Monday as 'little angel' to be laid to rest
Calls for eviction ban as number of Irish renters forced out of homes doubles in a year
Sign up for the Irish Mirror newsletters to get all the latest news straight to your inbox
