To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps her Department is taking to support the growth of the night-time economy in town centres.

My Department has recently published first of its kind research into our night-time economy in collaboration with Tourism NI and the three Business Improvement Districts of Belfast: Belfast One, Destination Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter BID.

The research, conducted by Ipsos and Nordicity, has already been instrumental in securing funding for a late-night transport pilot scheme in Belfast. A successful pilot in Belfast will support the case to expand this provision to our other towns and cities.

The research shows our night-time economy contributed between £2.8 billion to £3.7 billion in Gross Value Added in 2024, supporting between 101,000 and 114,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

This research will further the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy that works for the hospitality and tourism sectors and our communities.

To support this ambition, my Department has already taken several steps, including working with Tourism NI to explore tourism’s potential in the night-time economy. My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders in the night-time economy including through representation on fora such as the Purple Flag Committee.