Residents in the environs of Croke Park plan to lodge an objection to a proposed fourth concert at GAA Headquarters this year. Aiken promotions has applied for a licence to hold a gig on the 17th of May which would exceed the special event restriction.
It follows the Garth Brooks debacle in 2014 which saw five sold-out concerts scrapped after licenses were refused for two of the gigs. Already scheduled this summer are Michael Bublé on July 7, and a Taylor Swift double on June 15 and 16.
The Rolling Stones, could be contenders if permission’s granted. Clonliffe and Croke Park Area Residents’ Association have arranged a public meeting at Barbara Ward Community Centre on Distillery Road close to Croke Park at 7:30 pm for Monday next, the 26th of February.
Pat Gates, Chairperson of the Residents’ Association said, “Our position has been consistent and clear. Three concerts is the maximum number of concerts allowed under planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála and this cap should be respected.
‘The reason for the cap is to maintain a reasonable quality of life for those who live in this part of the city and the amenities of the area. Now Aiken Promotions and Croke Park seek to circumvent the planning permission by applying an ‘Outdoor Event Licence’ from Dublin City Council. We will be encouraging all the residents in the area around Croke Park to call on the Council not to grant this licence.”
Colm Stephens, PRO of the Residents’ Association added, “Living next to Croke Park during a concert is like living next to night club with 80,000 people in it. On top of that, Aiken Promotion plan 18 continuous days, including weekends, of construction work between the hours of 8 am and as late as 1 am before and after the concert.
‘The resulting noise and disruption is an unacceptable intrusion into ordinary people’s lives and is made worse by the fact that the concert is planned for a school night when many young people are preparing for Leaving and Junior Cert or college exams.”
