Control of large gatherings
O'Keeffe asked about regulating commercially organised gatherings such as rock festivals. Burke said planning, sanitary services, road traffic and fire-safety laws may apply depending on circumstances, with local authorities responsible for their use; he was keeping the need for specific controls under review.
asked the Minister for the Environment whether legislation or regulations will be introduced to regulate and control large gatherings such as rock festivals, particularly where these are organised for commercial gain against the wishes of local communities.
Comment on this
It appears that use of tents and other moveable structures in connection with such gatherings, though not normally subject to planning control, may be so subject in certain circumstances. Depending, again, on the circumstances, control provisions of the sanitary services, road traffic and fire services legislation may also be relevant. It would be for the local authority concerned to see what use of these provisions would be necessary and feasible in a particular case.
I am keeping the position under review and if the number and size of gatherings require more specific controls than are at present available I will consider, in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Justice, how the need might best be met.