Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on Tourism Timmy Dooley is calling on the Ministers for Tourism & Sport and the Environment to meet quickly to discuss the cancellation of at least two Garth Brooks concerts at Croke Park later this month.
Dublin City Council has granted licences for three gigs at the venue, but has refused permission for the final two following complaints from residents in the area. It is being reported that the country music star has issued an ultimatum that he will only play five concerts or none at all.
Deputy Dooley commented, “The decision by Dublin City Council is very significant. Around 70,000 of the tickets sold for the 5 gigs were bought outside the country, providing a massive boost to hotels and restaurants in the Dublin region.
“The decision to cancel the concerts will do nothing to promote Dublin or Ireland, and has the potential to damage our international image. Not only are tens of thousands of fans left angry and disappointed, many of them could also be left out of pocket having booked into hotels and B&Bs for the night.
“I’m calling on Minsters Hogan and Varadkar to meet to explore all the options open to them and I would urge them to do so without delay to end the current uncertainty surrounding this situation.