Minister Patrick O’Donovan announces ‘The One @ One’ – a Night-Time Economy Late-Night Pilot Bus Service in Sligo, Buncrana and Longford

Minister Patrick O’Donovan announces ‘The One @ One’ – a Night-Time Economy Late-Night Pilot Bus Service in Sligo, Buncrana and Longford

 

New late-night services will operate at 1am over the May, June, August & October Bank Holiday weekends and on Culture Night.

 

The Minister for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D has today announced the launch of ‘The One @ One’, a new late-night transport pilot serving three rural Night-Time Economy locations Sligo, Buncrana and Longford. As rural Night-Time Economy pilot towns, all three locations have consistently identified access to safe, reliable late-night transport as one of the most significant barriers to nighttime participation. This pilot initiative aims to test tailored solutions designed specifically for smaller towns and dispersed rural communities.

Developed as a targeted response to research and extensive local consultation, ‘The One @ One’ will support safer, more accessible travel for residents and visitors while strengthening the vibrancy of the rural night-time economy. The pilot directly aligns with national policy commitments to improve inclusivity, safety and connectivity across Ireland’s rural towns during evening and night-time hours.

 

The service will operate on several busy weekends and key dates throughout the year, giving people more ways to travel safely after a night out. These trial periods will help partners understand demand, monitor usage, and shape future late-night transport options for rural communities across the country.

 

This pilot initiative is a partnership between the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the National Transport Authority, and Local Link, delivered in collaboration with Longford County Council, Donegal County Council, Sligo County Council and Sligo BID.

Speaking about the initiative today:

Cathaoirleach Donal Gilroy, Sligo County Council said:

 

“Access to safe and reliable late-night transport is essential to how people experience and enjoy our town after dark. This pilot represents a very positive step in supporting Sligo’s night-time economy while prioritising safety, inclusion and sustainability. By removing transport barriers, we are helping residents, workers and visitors alike to fully participate in evening life in Sligo and ensuring our town remains welcoming, vibrant and connected.”

 

Announcing the pilot initiative today, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said:

“I’m very aware that rural areas can face greater challenges than larger urban centres, when it comes to transport and accessing night-time activities. That’s why I’m delighted to support the launch of this pilot initiative as part of the Night-Time Economy programme. It’s especially encouraging to see the strong collaboration between the three counties and their local authorities in working together to address shared needs.”

 

Speaking today, Ed Betagh, Local Link Programme Manager, National Transport Authority said:

“NTA is a strong supporter of the Night-Time Economy and understands the importance of improving our public transport network to ensure our passengers can get home from work or from a night out with friends later in the evening. We are already investing in late night services in cities and towns across the country, and this pilot project will bring these benefits to even more people.”

The 1am bus service will be operated by Local Link and will run on the following routes:

Buncrana – Route 959: Buncrana to Greencastle via Carndonagh

Sligo – Route 981: Markievicz Road to Rockfield

Longford – Route 865: Longford Centre to Granard

 

Speaking about the initiative today:

Martin Lydon, Chief Executive, Sligo County Council said:

“This late-night bus pilot is in direct response to feedback from the people and businesses of Sligo town. Access to late-night transport has consistently emerged as a key challenge across all three locations. As pilot towns, we have a unique opportunity to trial innovative solutions, evaluate their impact, and better meet the needs of our communities. So we are delighted to see the One @ One come to life here in Sligo town.”

The introduction of ‘The One @ One’ marks an important step in enhancing accessibility, safety and vibrancy within Ireland’s rural night-time economy. This pilot will help ensure that more people can enjoy what their towns have to offer confident that they have a safe way to get home at the end of the night.

Sligo Town Night Time Economy Enrichment & Diversification Funds New & Innovative Ideas

As part of the Sligo Town NTE pilot, the Sligo Town Night Time Economy Enrichment & Diversification grants have been awarded to nine applicants for 2026. The Sligo town NTE Pilot is delivered by Sligo BID in partnership with Sligo County Council and is funded through the NTE Unit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. The fund supports the trial of new and innovative events to support the growth and diversity of the night time economy in Sligo Town between Sunday and Thursday.

An independent, representative panel reviewed all applications as part of a competitive process and were impressed by the ideas and creativity of the applicants. Grants were awarded to support the following projects:

Trip around the world in Sligo, Spanish & Latin American Night, Evening Creative Sessions at Hyde Bridge Gallery, Bring your own merch: a sustainable night time arts activation with Spilt Milk, Spreading the news under the Sligo Sky: an Immersive Ceili Theatre Experience, Ukrainian Culture Night- Sligo, Raised on Songs & Stories- Evening Walks through Sligo Town, Focal Factor Live! and Old Style, Folk Style and a little bit of Poetry

Edel Doran, Sligo BID’s Sligo Town Night Time Economy Advisor, said:

“You can see from the above titles, that there are some interesting evenings ahead for Sligo Town. It’s wonderful to see such a mix across applicants from businesses and cultural spaces to event producers and we hope there will be a ripple effect beyond the grant funded window.”

 

Martin Lydon, Sligo County Council Chief Executive said:

“Sligo Town’s Night Time Economy Pilot started in 2024. There is clear impact across the years. For example, the Oak Moon Late Night Café was supported in Year One. Now in Year Three, it’s become a cultural hub to support event producers to try new concepts and hold their events. The pilot is helping support the current and next wave of event producers, which is a vital part of the future of our Night Time Economy. This grant also helps to back our businesses and provide unique experiences for people to come in and enjoy across Sligo Town.”

Sligo Town Night Time Economy Enrichment & Diversification Grant Callout 2026

Sligo BID in partnership with Sligo County Council is seeking proposals from local businesses, community groups, event organisers, collaborators and individuals to develop projects that will support the growth and diversity of the night time economy in Sligo Town. The grant scheme’s first callout took place last year and resulted in a variety of new events to the town calendar including a glow walk, a film club and a community choir.

This funding round will build upon 2025 and once again support applicants who wish to try new and exciting concepts after 6pm between Sunday and Thursday that can support the enhancement, enrichment and diversification of our night time economy.

The Night Time Economy refers to the diverse social, cultural and economic activity occurring during specified evening and night time hours between 6pm and 6am. Sligo Town is one of nine NTE pilot towns and cities across the country, an initiative of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

The Call opens 5^th March 2026 and closes on the 27^th March 2026 at 5pm.

The application form and criteria can be found on www.sligobid.ie

The scheme will provide up to 90% of funding for the event(s) or initiative. The minimum grant award is €500 and the maximum grant award is €1,000. The total grant funding pot of €10K is provided by the Sligo Night Time Economy Pilot, which is funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

Previous grant awardees are welcome to apply again but it must be for a new event concept.

Edel Doran, Sligo Town Night Time Economy Advisor said:

“Last year, we had a great variety of applications from some very creative event producers. We hope to have an even greater response this year. I’d also especially encourage businesses who might not think that this grant applies to them to really consider it or to consider trialling a new type of event. Maybe you are a flower shop who could hold evening bouquet making sessions or a clothes store who could run a style session event or a pub who could run a knitting workshop. ”

Event creators and producers are encouraged to have a think and check out the grant details on the links below.

See below to access the grant details.

Sligo Town Night Time Economy Enrichment and Diversification Grant Call Out 

See below to access the grant application.

Sligo Town Night Time Economy Enrichment and Diversification Grant Application Form

Sligo NTE Pilot 2025 Report

Sligo BID has published its report on the the second full year of the Sligo Night Time Economy Pilot. This pilot is delivered in partnership with Sligo County Council and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications & Sport.

The Sligo NTE Action Plan has achieved 100% activation, with all actions either Complete, Continuously Active, or In Motion.

See below to access the full report.

2025 NTE Report Final

‘Safe & Sound’ campaign to encourage families and individuals to enjoy varied nightlife in Sligo town

• Safe & Sound campaign wants to increase people’s enjoyment of
  nightlife in Sligo
• Aim also to reduce anti-social behaviour and promote respect
• Resources available to staff at nightclubs, pubs and festivals

Sligo BID has launched the second year of its ‘Safe & Sound’ campaign in partnership with Sligo County Council.

The campaign is to encourage people to enjoy Sligo Town at night while also promoting responsible nightlife and a reduction in anti-social behaviour. It is being launched ahead of the busy festive season.

It aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and promote respect with a call to action for both visitors and residents to enjoy the night-time economy safely while being considerate of their surroundings.

The Safe & Sound campaign is supported by the ATU Sligo’s Students’ Union. Current research indicates there are approximately 4,100 nighttime workers in Sligo, including restaurant and bar staff, security workers, taxi and bus drivers, paramedics, cleaners and much more. ‘Safe & Sound’ encourages respect towards all these people while they are carrying out their jobs.

‘Safe & Sound’ will promote respect and responsible nightlife across a range of media including through Spotify ads, social media reels, as well as through posters and flyers distributed across Sligo town.

This year, the campaign carries on the work done after the announcement of the free Night- Time Economy (NTE) staff training portal for Sligo Town launched by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. earlier this year. This offers free specialist training for staff at nightclubs, pubs and festivals on how to tackle subjects such as sexual harassment, violence against women and girls and drink spiking.

This is a Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Initiative, delivered as part of the Sligo Town Night Time Economy Pilot by Sligo BID and Sligo County Council. As part of the overall Night Time Economy Initiative, Sligo has its own dedicated Night Time Economy Advisor, Edel Doran, who works within Sligo BID.

Sligo BID CEO Gail McGibbon says:
“The ‘Safe & Sound’ campaign is setting a positive tone while encouraging individuals to be mindful and respectful of others – from the person showing you to your seat at the theatre at the start of your night to the bus or taxi driver bringing you home. If we all treat the town and the people in it with respect, we will create a more enjoyable and respectful environment for everyone.”

Caroline Forde, Sligo Ask for Angela, says:
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the Sligo ‘Safe & Sound’ Campaign, which seeks to enhance the safety and wellbeing of both patrons and staff of night-time venues in our community. The training and supports available through this important initiative elevate the attractiveness of Sligo’s nighttime economy as a place to work and enjoy a fun night out.”

Patrik Berger, VP for Wellbeing and Engagement, ATU Sligo Students’ Union, says:
“It’s great to support the Safe and Sound campaign and the work happening across Sligo to make nights out safer and more enjoyable. From a student point of view, having clear supports in place and a shared focus on looking out for one another makes a real difference. When venues, services and the wider community work together, it helps create a night-time environment where people can have fun, feel safe and get home without trouble.”

 

Businesses and organiations who wish to support the campaign and help spread the word can use the below folder link to access social media assets to post up online.

NTE Businesses Pack

Sligo Town Christmas Lights Switch-On Event Sunday, November 30, 2025

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM  O’Connell St, Sligo

The twinkling of the Christmas lights to mark the official start of the cheery Christmas season is set to take place on Sunday November 30^th on O’Connell Street, Sligo.

Don your Christmas jumpers and bring the family in for some free Christmas fun!

Event Highlights:

• Santa Claus switches on the lights at 6:00 PM
• Ocean FM broadcasts live from O’Connell St from 2:00 PM
• Street Entertainment including walkabout characters and free facepainting from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Live Music with seasonal tunes 4:00-5:30PM.
• Seasonal tunes with Scruffy Duffy from 5:30PM
• Snow Queens adding a touch of winter wonder
• Meet Santa’s Elves and have fun with their festive antics and take an Elfie with them.

Note: Any updates due to weather will be posted on Sligo BID Social Media Channels, follow for any and all updates.

Don’t miss out on the magic! Come along and experience the sights and sounds of Christmas in Sligo Town.

Sligo Abbey to Host Magical Evening of Music and Christmas Cheer

Sligo Town is set to come alive with music, magic and Christmas spirit this December as part of the Sligo Night-Time Economy Pilot- an initiative of the Government, supported and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

In a unique collaboration, Music Generation Sligo, the Office of Public Works (OPW), Sligo Abbey, Sligo BID, and Sligo County Council have joined forces to transform one of the town’s most iconic historical locations – the Sligo Abbey- into a stage for showcasing the remarkable musical talents of Sligo’s young people.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Gilroy said “Sligo Abbey has stood for centuries as a symbol of our town’s rich heritage, and it is truly inspiring to see it come alive this December with the energy and creativity of our young musicians. This event is a shining example of what can be achieved when we reimagine our historic spaces as vibrant cultural venues. I commend all the partners involved in bringing this magical evening to life and invite everyone to join us in celebrating the spirit of Christmas in the heart of Sligo.”

 

Chairman of the Office of Public Works, John Conlon said “I am delighted that Sligo Abbey will be full of festive spirit this December for a unique musical experience which showcases the musical talents of Sligo’s young people. This free outdoor event, run in collaboration with Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Music Generation Sligo, Sligo BID and Sligo County Council, offers audiences an opportunity to soak up the Christmas atmosphere in one of Sligo’s renowned historical locations. This is one event not to be missed, wrap up well and bring all the family”.

This special evening event will take place on Saturday 6th December and Sunday 7th December, featuring two free performances each night:

• 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Audiences are invited to immerse themselves in this atmospheric, outdoor event filled with festive music and seasonal joy. With the majestic ruins of Sligo Abbey as the backdrop, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience blending heritage, community, and creativity.

Admission is free, but booking is essential via Eventbrite.

To add a touch of Christmas warmth, hot drinks will be available, making it a perfect evening outing for families, friends, and visitors alike.

This initiative is part of a wider effort to explore how public and historic spaces in Sligo can be reimagined to bring vibrant, cultural life into the town centre after dark. And what better setting than a centuries-old abbey to create a little night-time magic?

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season and the talent of Sligo’s young musicians in a truly unique venue. For more information, visit heritageireland.ie.

Sligo Festival Collective seeks Project Co-Ordinator

We are seeking to hire an experienced Project Coordinator on a part-time, freelance basis over a 12-month period to support the formal development of the Sligo Town Festival Collective. This role will acknowledge and support the significant administrative and strategic work required to establish the Collective as a formal, functioning entity.

This pilot initiative is focused specifically on Sligo Town, as it forms part of the Sligo Town Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Initiative, supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and delivered in partnership by Sligo BID and Sligo County Council. The concentration on Sligo Town reflects the strategic goals of this national pilot to develop models for vibrant and sustainable cultural activity in town centres.

However, the Festival Collective is open to membership from festivals across County Sligo, encouraging broader collaboration, shared learning, and long-term countywide connectivity.

This is a once-off, funded role for Year One only. It is designed to ensure that the core groundwork—such as governance, structure, systems, and shared strategy—is successfully completed. Once established, the duties of the coordinator will be significantly reduced. Therefore, from Year Two onward, the role will become voluntary and rotate among member festivals as part of a shared, sustainable model.

 

Objectives

• Formally establish the Sligo Town Festival Collective as a recognised organisation.
• Strengthen collaboration among local festivals through improved coordination, communication, and shared strategic planning.
• Increase access to funding and shared infrastructure via joint funding applications and stakeholder partnerships.

 

Scope of Work

The Coordinator will be responsible for the following key areas:

1. Organisational Setup

• Establish the Collective as a formal organisation.
• Draft a constitution or memorandum & articles.
• Facilitate agreement on governance structure.
• Manage registration processes, if applicable.

2. Financial Setup

• Open a dedicated bank account for the Collective.
• Complete necessary paperwork and registration steps.
• Identify appropriate signatories and establish financial controls.

3. Administrative Coordination (12 Months)

• Act as Secretary to the Collective for the duration of the engagement.
• Organise and facilitate regular meetings (quarterly or as agreed).
• Prepare and circulate agendas, take minutes, and track action items.
• Maintain documentation and administrative records.

4. Funding Support

• Complete and submit a LEADER application to support strategic development. Note all festivals who wish to participate in an application will have to contribute required data, information etc. as required.
• Prepare a Clann Credo application to explore social finance opportunities.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Liaise with Sligo BID and Sligo County Council to explore partnership opportunities.
• Research and propose options for shared infrastructure or collective resources.
• Map out common challenges and identify opportunities for collaboration.

 

Key Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience working with festivals, cultural initiatives, or community projects.
• Strong administrative, coordination, and financial management skills.
• The ability to work independently while facilitating group collaboration.
• Status as a self-employed or freelance contractor (not an employee).
• Direct knowledge of the Sligo town festival landscape, with a requirement to currently produce or manage a Sligo-based town festival or event on an annual basis.

 

Application Process

To apply for this role, candidates must submit to Edel on edel@sligobid.ie:

• An up-to-date CV
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining their relevant experience and suitability for the position

Deadline for applications: 5:00pm, Thursday 31st October 2025
All applicants will be notified in early November, with the role expected to commence mid-November 2025.

 

Budget Breakdown

Total Budget: €5,000 (inclusive of all fees and expenses)

This fee covers approximately 150–180 hours of freelance work across 12 months (averaging 3–4 hours/week). The rate reflects the time-intensive foundational work involved in setting up the organisation and supporting strategic planning.

 

Important Note on Role Duration and Funding

This is a 12-month, once-off funded position to support the formation of the Collective. The funding is for Year One only, with no extension or continuation of funding beyond this initial setup phase.

After the first year:

• The administrative and coordination workload is expected to be significantly reduced.
• The role will become voluntary and rotate annually among member festivals.
• Templates, systems, and structures established during Year One will ensure the smooth handover and continuity of duties.

This model balances the need for professional expertise in the setup phase with a realistic, sustainable approach for long-term operations.