We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Garth Brooks licensing dispute

Summary

Senator Healy Eames stresses the economic importance of the concerts and urges flexibility, alternative venues, and a practical agreement allowing all five shows.

I do not wish to follow the musical highs of Senators Barrett or Mullen but it is an understatement to say the Garth Brooks events are resonating more deeply with the public than the Cabinet reshuffle. On a more serious note, approximately 20% of the working population in Ireland has spend money on this event. We are always trying to reactivate and inject confidence into the domestic economy and this has managed to do that. In terms of reaching a solution, last night Mr. John Delaney of the Football Association of Ireland was in the House. He confirmed to me and a number of others that he has three pre-licensed concert dates available in the Aviva, with a capacity of 50,000 for each date, which is 150,000. On Tuesday, I sought Cabinet intervention and now the Taoiseach is suddenly interested in this.

Comment on this

That is wrong. He received direct communication.

Comment on this

Could somebody please tie all of this together? Our beloved Garth Brooks also needs to be a tiny bit flexible if he wants the ship to reach the shore and to stay here. It is a no-brainer. If the licensing laws are such and cannot be fixed, could we tie it up so that the concerts can happen in Dublin, in particular as Croke Park and the Football Association of Ireland are willing to offer venues? I think that is a fairly good offer.

Comment on this