Review of concert licensing process needed – Coghlan

Seanad Chief Whip and Fine Gael Senator for Kerry, Paul Coghlan, speaking during the Seanad Order of Business, today (Wednesday), called for a review of the concert licensing process following the cancellation of all five Garth Brooks concerts that were scheduled to take place in Croke Park.

“There is something seriously wrong with a system that allows more than 400,000 people to buy tickets for a concert when licenses have not yet been granted. This episode has exposed a major flaw in the process. There needs to be a logical approach to organising events of this scale in the future. First apply and secure a license and then sell tickets.

“I also find it very unfair that after the County Manager made his decision, there was no room for appeal. These decisions should be made well ahead of the planned event, leaving plenty of time for the appeals process.

“The cancellation of all five Garth Brooks concerts has been very disappointing for many people, it has been a huge inconvenience and it will have a significant economic impact.

“I think that this needs to be assessed to prevent similar situations arising in the future.”