Phase Two of Buncrana鈥檚 Night-Time Economy Grant Scheme Now Open
Donegal County Council has launched Phase Two of Buncrana鈥檚 Night-Time Economy Grant
Scheme. Building on the success of the first round in October 2024, this innovative scheme
invites businesses, community groups, artists, musicians, performers and individuals to bring
fresh ideas to Buncrana鈥檚 night-time offering, making the town an even more vibrant and
welcoming place after dark.
Grants of up to 鈧1,000 are available to help add to the variety of events Buncrana offers at
night. As one of only nine towns and cities selected nationally to take part in the Night-Time
Economy pilot, Buncrana is leading the way in how rural towns can reimagine their public
spaces and evening activities.
John Mc G. Laughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, said:
鈥淭his initiative shows what鈥檚 possible when communities come together with creativity and
vision. The Night-Time Economy pilot is not only revitalising Buncrana鈥檚 evenings, it鈥檚 setting
a national example for how smaller towns can grow in a way that鈥檚 inclusive, safe and
sustainable. Donegal County Council is proud to lead and support this work, and we look
forward to seeing what Phase Two will inspire.鈥
Sophie Gallagher, Night-Time Economy Advisor for Buncrana, added:
鈥淭he night-time economy is a vital part of our community鈥檚 social and economic life. Through
this initiative, we will work closely with local businesses, organisations and residents to
enhance the variety of evening activities on offer. This scheme is about more than just
keeping the lights on later; it鈥檚 about redefining how people experience the town after sunset.
From live music and cultural pop-ups to night-time food events and creative uses of public
space, the grant scheme is open to all who want to contribute to a richer, more diverse
evening culture in Buncrana.鈥
The first phase of this initiative attracted a wide range of applications, spanning the arts,
food, youth, and community sectors. Phase Two aims to build on this momentum, unlocking
even more ideas and partnerships from across the local area.
Whether you鈥檙e a bar owner with a bold new concept, a youth group with a creative vision, or
an artist ready to step into the spotlight, this is your chance to help shape the future of
鈥楤uncrana by Night. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 8 th July 2025. Interested
parties can contact Sophie Gallagher, The Night-Time Economy Advisor, Donegal County
Council, for an application pack via email on sophiegallagher@donegalcoco.ie