Louth County Council, in partnership with Drogheda’s Purple Flag Group, is calling on night‑time economy businesses and organisations across the county to take part in Safe & Sound – a FREE, online training programme for staff. The training is designed for businesses and organisations working at night, including those in hospitality, culture, events, sport, and transport.
Safe & Sound is quick, flexible and easy to fit around work. It helps staff feel more confident in their roles and supports safer, more welcoming nights for workers, customers and the wider public. The training is shaped by real, on‑the‑ground experience and focuses on what works in busy night‑time settings.
Training is made up of short, practical online modules each taking around 30 minutes. Staff can complete modules at a time that suits them and will receive certification upon completion. The training is FREE and easy to include in staff induction or as part of ongoing training. The focus is on prevention rather than reaction. Staff learn small, practical steps that help create calm, managed and welcoming night‑time spaces.
Welcoming the training resource, Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council said:
“This programme comes at an important time, as Louth prepares to launch a new Tourism Strategy. A strong, well run nighttime economy helps build reputation, attract visitors and support local businesses. Safe & Sound supports the good work many venues already do and clearly shows the public that care, respect and professionalism matter.”
Mark Davies, Night‑Time Economy Adviser with Louth County Council, said:
“Safe & Sound is about professionalism, prevention and pride in place. It gives businesses a free, practical way to train staff, reinforce good practice and show the public that safety is taken seriously.Drogheda has an important role to play as a centre of excellence — as a place where pilot ideas can be tested, refined and shared — and this shows how that learning can strengthen the whole county as a destination for visitors and local communities alike.”
Safe & Sound is a national training programme funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport that supports professionalism, inclusion and positive experiences after dark. The programme originated from nine Night Time Economy Adviser pilot programmes, one of which is hosted in Drogheda and steered by the Drogheda Purple Flag group — an internationally recognised standard for safe, welcoming, and well managed town centres. Recognising the value of the programme, Safe & Sound is being made available county-wide, meaning any business or organisation with a presence in Louth can take part and benefit from shared learning and clear, consistent standards.
Hubert Murphy, CEO of Drogheda & District Chamber, Drogheda Purple Flag Chair and business representative on the Louth Community Safety Partnership, said:
“People choose places where they feel safe, welcomed, and respected — and that’s extremely good for business as well as the community. This training helps staff create calm, well managed nights that customers trust.
It’s great to see an initiative shaped through the work in Drogheda now available county wide. When we share ideas and support each other, the whole county benefits. As Drogheda Purple Flag Chair, I’m proud to back this collaborative approach.”
This work is supported by the Louth Local Community Safety Partnership, which brings together local authorities, An Garda Síochána, community groups and businesses to improve safety through prevention and collaboration.
Therese McArdle, Louth Local Community Safety Coordinator, said:
“Safe, well managed nights come from people working together. This initiative reflects the joined-up approach we’re building across Louth — where venues, communities and services all play their part.
Small, simple steps can make a night out feel safer and more comfortable, especially for women and anyone who might feel vulnerable, this is what the Louth Local Community Safety Partnership’s work is about.”
Safe & Sound is FREE, flexible and open now to night‑time economy businesses and organisations across Louth. For more information or to get involved contact nighttimeeconomy@louthcoco.ie or visit nighttimeeconomy.com/safe-and-sound-drogheda.
