Cork Businesses Invited to Leave a Light On This Winter as Campaign Returns

Cork City Council’s Night Time Economy Office and Cork Business Association have relaunched the ‘Leave a Light On’ campaign for 2026. Participating businesses will be eligible for a €200 subsidy (including VAT).

Following the success of the 2025 Leave a Light On initiative, the campaign is designed to light up the city and enhance vibrancy and community spirit during the darker months. It will run from Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 31 January 2027.

During this time, business premises in Cork city which are usually in darkness after business hours are invited to leave a light on. This is to help illuminate Cork’s streets and offer a more welcoming environment for all who work, socialise and travel through the city after dark.

City centre businesses can take part by leaving a light on in their storefronts each evening until midnight. The campaign, sponsored by Cork City Council’s Night Time Economy team, gives financial support to participating businesses.

Participating businesses are encouraged to use energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs. The campaign focuses on leaving a single light on.

Cliona Barnes, Director of Cork Business Association:

“Cork is a city to be enjoyed both day and night, and creating a bright, welcoming environment is something we can all contribute to. Leaving a single light on is a simple gesture, but collectively it helps create a more vibrant city for everyone.”

A spokesperson for Cork City Council:

“The Leave a Light On campaign shows how businesses and the council can work together to create a brighter more inclusive city.”

The campaign supports the wider objectives of Cork City Council’s Night Time Economy Strategy, which aims to enrich the experience of the city after dark and encourage greater activity and enjoyment of public spaces.

Applications are open through Cork Business Association by emailing info@corkbusiness.ie.

Businesses and the public are encouraged to share photos of the city centre after dark, tagging Cork City Council and Cork Business Association, with the hashtags #LeaveALightOnCork, #NightTimeEconomyCork and #NTECork.