The appointment of a nighttime economy ‘Tzar’ for Dublin has been welcomed as a 'badly needed' change for the city.
Concert promoter Ray O'Donoghue took up the role last week and will be tasked with revitalising the capital's evening economy.
Dublin City Council has reportedly appointed him as the city’s Night Mayor for a two-year period.
Ohana Tiki Bar Operator Ian Redmond told Newstalk Breakfast it's been a long time coming.
"We've been talking about this for years and it's fantastic that Dublin City Council have actually appointed Ray," he said.
"He has a proven track record with his record label, his festivals, artists booking, event management and production.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table for Dublin - it's an exciting time."
A view of Dublin's Harcourt Street, 29-10-21. Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieMr Redmond said the nighttime economy badly needs a new impetus.
"The nighttime economy is on its knees and it badly needs someone with Ray's experience to come onboard," he said.
"Last night on Harcourt Street, it was tumbleweeds; on Thursday night that's unheard of.
"Going back five years ago, pre-pandemic, [streets] would have had thousands of people revelling on Harcourt Street, Camden Street, off Grafton Street, D'Olier Street.
"The city is on its knees from a hospitality point of view".
'It's not safe'
Mr Redmond said there are several factors contributing to the change.
"It's the cost of living crisis, it's the lack of policing, lack of taxis - all these things are leading to groups of people staying at home," he said.
"The amount of my friends who have been mugged in Dublin city over the last two years is huge.
"I can count on nearly two hands, it's certainly over five friends have been mugged and have their mobile phone stolen.
"It's just not a safe place to be; An Garda Síochána are under-resourced and it's really a job for the Government".
'TWAT generation'
Mr Redmond said the COVID-19 pandemic "broke the cycle of people going out".
"Friday morning in offices was vibrant, talking around the water cooler about what you got up to last night," he said.
"That's just gone now because by-and-large people are working from home on Mondays and Fridays.
"They call it the TWAT generation that only go to the office on Tuesday, Wednesday [and] Thursday."
Mr Redmond said it's important that authorities listen to what Mr O'Donoghue has to say.
"He's on the payroll of the State now and the State have to listen to him," he said.
"They've appointed him and they have to listen to what he says and action what he says," he added.
Mr Redmond said there are now 88 only nightclubs open in Ireland – down from a high of nearly 600.
