Published
Thu, Jul 20, 2023, 08:00
- "We're happy the government is starting to acknowledge there's an issue," said DJ and nightlife activist Sunil Sharpe.
The Irish government has launched a noise mitigation grant scheme to coincide with the extension of nightclub opening hours.
Announced on Wednesday, July 18th, the scheme will help clubs and late-night venues become more soundproof. €2 million in funding has been made available, with a maximum grant of €70,000 per application.
A separate €800,000 of funding will be available to art centres and cultural spaces that are interested in opening later and hosting events such as club nights, theatre or comedy performances.
Sunil Sharpe, the Dublin DJ who founded the nightlife campaign group Give Us The Night, spoke at the launch of the initiative, arguing that it would help "save jobs and careers." Speaking to Resident Advisor, he said it will "send out a fresh message to the public that night-time venues aren't so much of a nuisance if they have ample noise protection in place."
He continued: "This is an issue that has been allowed to fester over the years through a combination of bad planning, flimsy regulation and an over-reliance on less-than-suitable repurposed buildings as venue spaces. We're happy that the government is starting to acknowledge that there's an issue, and that they listened to us when we asked them to consider a scheme like this. We know it won't be all straightforward for every participating venue, as noise is a very emotive and personal issue for some. For many of us, though, noise is our way of life. The challenge of meeting in the middle is never easy but I'm hoping we can make a good attempt at it over the next while."
Last October, Ireland confirmed it would be overhauling its centuries-old alcohol licensing laws. The updated laws mean that clubs will have the option to stay open until 6 AM, with no alcohol sales past 5 AM.