Cork City's nighttime economy adviser has finished in her role and will not be replaced, council says

Fiona Collins had her last day in the role this week after council management reportedly chose to split her work between existing council staff members instead of continuing her employment. File picture: Darragh Kane

Cork City Council’s nighttime economy adviser has finished in her role and will not be replaced, it has emerged.

Fiona Collins, chairperson of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, was appointed the nighttime economy adviser in City Hall in 2023 as part of a national pilot programme in nine Irish cities and towns focused on developing an area’s social offering after 6pm.

At the last full council meeting, Cormac Ó Súilleabháin, the council’s director of city centre development and operations, said the Department of Culture had advised the nighttime economy pilot project would end in 2027 and it does not have any sanction for posts beyond June 2027.

He added the council remained committed to the promotion of the nighttime economy and would continue to deliver the programme until it concludes in June 2027, subject to funding.

Ms Collins had her last day in the role this week after council management reportedly chose to split her work between existing council staff members instead of continuing her employment.

It comes as Cork City Council recorded a revenue deficit for the first time in several years last year, of —€1,592,569.

A Department of Culture spokesperson said in 2025, an independent review of the pilot project was initiated, after which culture minister Patrick O’Donovan approved an extension of the pilot until June 2027, and discussions were now taking place about “the outcomes of the review, and the future expansion of the project”.

All nine locations have “signalled their intention to continue with the pilot until June 2027”, but the spokesperson added the individual contractual arrangements were a matter for local authorities.

Labour councillor John Maher said Ms Collins’ role “really benefitted our city".

“I experienced the benefits first-hand. Nighttime markets, first-Friday initiatives, pop-up events in North Main Street car park, to name a few.” 

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle said Ms Collins’ role ceasing was a “huge disappointment".

“We should always welcome and try to build upon innovation,” he said.

The Irish Examiner contacted Cork City Council for comment.