Statement from Minister Varadkar on the Garth Brooks Concerts

Speaking today Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said: This is a blow to fans and to visitors coming from abroad. The way this happened at the very last minute is clearly unsatisfactory from everyone’s point of view and highlights the need to review the major events licencing laws. Nonetheless residents have legitimate concerns about five concerts in a row which the GAA has conceded was a mistake.

“The decision on the licence was made by Dublin City Council and there is no provision in law for it to be appealed or overturned other than by the courts.

“There were only supposed to be three concerts when the tour was first advertised and I see no reason why these should not now proceed. The onus is on the promoters to ensure that two other concerts are rescheduled or relocated.”