A new grant for soundproofing nightclubs to combat noise has come "too late" to save Tramline nightclub, according to its former owner.
Yesterday, Media Minister Catherine Martin announced €2 million in funding for soundproofing for nightclubs and other venues ahead of plans to extend opening hours to 6am for the Nighttime Economy Scheme.
It means nightclubs and late bars can now get grants of up to €70,000 for soundproofing to combat noise in residential areas
On Newstalk Breakfast, former Tramline owner, Ian Redmond, said the decision has come "too late" to save his city-centre club.
"We had to close the doors two weeks ago," he said. “Just the delays in licencing reform [and] insurance reform just made our business untenable.
"Coming out of COVID, just the young patrons of Dublin got three months of clubbing and then they moved on to festivals."
Insolvencies
In areas like Camden Street, the nighttime grant will be useful, according to Mr Redmond.
"Volume is atmosphere, so, you don't get the joy and euphoria of nightclubbing unless you have volume," he said.
"When people live close to these loud venues, that's what leads to problems – so, it's very welcome."
File photo: A Dublin nightclub has confirmed its closure with immediate effect. Pictured late last night (Monday 24th Jan) are club goers enjoying the performances at the Swerve nightclub in Tramline, Dublin. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ieMr Redmond said that while the nighttime economy grants are appreciated, "practicalities on the ground" have meant that many nightclubs and bars have been forced to close.
"There were 277 hospitality insolvencies last year," he said. “This year alone, in July, there are 410 insolvencies already.
"In the first six months of this year, it's nearly double what it was last year."
'Price gouging'
Mr Redmond said problems facing Dublin City nightlife extend far beyond the issue of soundproofing.
"The big problem with Dublin City at the moment is transport, public order, and just trying to get in and out of town – spend is way, way down," he said.
"People don't have the money they had a couple of years ago ... when your insurance premium goes from €38,000 pre-COVID to €168,000 post-COVID, you just don't have a chance."
25/01/2022 Pictured late last night (Monday 24th Jan) are club goers enjoying the performances at the Swerve nightclub in Tramline, Dublin. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ieMr Redmond argued that "price gouging" from insurance companies made it untenable for nightclub owners to continue running their businesses.
"All [insurance companies] ever say is, 'There's no appetite in the market for that risk' and that's the justification for loading premiums," he said.
"€3,000 or €4,000 per week on insurance just made it undoable."
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