Local Reps should be allowed make formal contributions in relation to proposed performance dates, possible acts and audience profile of Marlay Park concerts.

Local Fine Gael Councillor Neale Richmond has called on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to involve Councillors in the Event Licensing process for concerts in Marlay Park.

Speaking at a meeting of the Dundrum Area Committee Councillor Richmond called on the Council to hold formal discussions with Councillors in advance of and following the Marlay Park concerts.

“As it stands local Councillors benefit from an excellent informal relationship of discussion with Council officials and local Gardai with regard to the large scale summer concerts in Marlay Park. However, the current situation is not sufficient and Councillors, as public representatives, should be allowed make formal contributions in relation to proposed performance dates, possible acts and audience profile.

“I remain 100% supportive of the Marlay Park concerts as a revenue generating & cultural exercise and I am grateful to Council officials for the manner in which they run the concerts but I feel we should define to a greater extent what type of concerts are suitable for performance in this largely residential area.

“Last year I think the choice of acts and the nature of the shows were wholly inappropriate. The day-long line up of acts on Saturday and Sunday brought back bad memories of the early disasters associated with the FM104 summer in the park series of some years ago.

“I am delighted that the only confirmed concert for this year will take place on a Wednesday as this will discourage many concert-goers from showing up early at the venue early, causing all manner of anti-social behaviour.

Meeting of Dundrum Area Committee

1 February 2010

Marlay Park Concerts

Motion: Councillor Neale Richmond

“That the Manager provides a full report into all discussion with MCD in relation to planned concerts for Marlay Park this summer, including what acts are scheduled to perform, what dates the concerts are to be held on and if any changes will be made to the security & traffic provisions compared to previous years.”

Report:

In October 2009 the promoter sought approval, as per condition of contract, for various acts to perform in marlay Park in 2010. Consent was given for a number of specific acts, however, to date, only one act – Green Day – has been confirmed for Wednesday June 23rd. The promoter has indicated that there may be one other date within this series and that it is unlikely that there will be any concerts later in the summer.

Issues surrounding security and traffic management will be discussed as part of the Event Licensing process. Arrangements vary depending on the act and audience profile and is generally determined by other Statutory Agencies.