Sep 3 • Jo Cox-Brown

Ireland Leads the World in Safer Nightlife with New “Safe & Sound” Training Initiative

Safe & Sound initiative:  

Ireland has once again taken a world-leading step in shaping the future of the night-time economy. Following the creation of the first-ever national night-time strategy and the appointment of nine Night-Time Economy Advisors, Minister Patrick O’Donovan has now announced the launch of the Safe & Sound initiative, a groundbreaking training and policy programme designed specifically for businesses and workers at night.

The Safe & Sound initiative is unique on a global scale. While many countries are only beginning to explore policies for nightlife, Ireland is already delivering practical tools that embed safety, inclusivity, and wellbeing at the very heart of its night-time culture.
Ireland is setting a new global benchmark for how we think about nightlife. By providing free training and a comprehensive suite of policies, the Safe & Sound initiative doesn’t just react to challenges; it empowers businesses, workers, and communities to shape safer, more inclusive experiences at night. At NTES, we are proud to have supported the development of this initiative with the Department and the nine Night-Time Economy Advisors. This is a model that will inspire cities and countries worldwide to reimagine what thriving nightlife can look like when safety and vibrancy go hand in hand"

This training empowers 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.

What the initiative offers:

12 months free online training for businesses and workers in the nine Night-Time Economy Pilot locations (Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana, Longford).

Express 30-minute modules covering critical safety topics, including:

  • Anti-Sexual Harassment
  • Bystander Intervention
  • Drink Spiking Awareness
  • Safeguarding and Vulnerability
  • Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

17 new policy templates, tailored to Irish law, culture, and frontline realities, covering areas such as dispersal management, mental health support, drugs and alcohol, safeguarding, and crime scene preservation.

These resources provide unprecedented guidance for pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, theatres, cultural venues, festivals, gyms, taxi services, and more. For the first time, businesses across Ireland have access to clear operational templates that empower staff to act with confidence and consistency.

Why This Matters

The night-time economy is a vital part of cultural and economic life. Yet, workers and customers often face vulnerabilities after dark. By providing businesses and staff with the tools to identify risks, respond appropriately, and foster a culture of safety, Ireland is establishing a new global standard.
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Final thoughts

No other country has created a nationwide night-time strategy, dedicated night-time advisors, and now this suite of policies and training for frontline staff. Ireland is not just responding to challenges, it is actively shaping the global conversation about what safe, inclusive, and thriving nightlife can look like.

At Night Time Economy Solutions (NTES), we are proud to have supported the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, as well as the nine Advisors, in developing this initiative. It is a model that can inspire cities and countries worldwide.

Ireland is proving that when safety, inclusivity, and cultural vibrancy come together, everyone benefits.