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Curtis Hilbun/AFF/EMPICS Entertainment

Residents want to talk to Croke Park about more than just Garth Brooks

The solicitor representing the locals want mediation talks to bring in wider issues around the running of the stadium.

THE LEGAL TEAM for the Croke Park residents wants discussions between the two disputing parties to be about more than just Garth Brooks and his five-night run.

Solicitor Anthony Fay has argued that the terms of reference of the mediation talks should be widened beyond the current Garth Brooks controversy.

Locals are unhappy about the country music superstar’s planned five-night stint at the Dublin stadium this summer.

In an open letter released last week, the Croke Park Residents Committee say they believe the concerts will not only breach existing clauses in Croke Park’s permission to hold such events, but also contravenes United Nations charters on human rights.

The letter also threatened legal action.

On 6 March, Croke Park suggested that the Labour Relations Commission chief Kieran Mulvey could chair talks. Incidentally, he was the man who chaired the original Croke Park Agreement (and its sequel, the Haddington Road deal).

Fay asked for Croke Park to consider wider discussions and “in the spirit of conciliation” to discontinue legal proceedings against the management committee of the Irish Handball Centre in Dublin 3.

Pairc an Chrocaigh Teoranta (PACT), the corporate arm of the GAA is seeking an injunction directing them to vacate the centre, damages and legal costs.

“This course of action is doing irreparable damage to the relationship between Croke Park and the local community which at best has been very volatile in recent years,” said Fay, who is not surprised at the level of community outrage and anger over the number of summer concerts.

“It is vitally important that Croke Park now behaves in a respectful manner towards the residents and is more forthcoming in its dealings…GAA Headquarters needs to mend fences and will require the community on board if it is to be involved in any future concerts, the Croke Villas development & funding applications.”

Eight big gigs are planned for the summer months, including five Garth Brooks concerts and three nights of One Direction.

Related: Garth Brooks concerts could face legal action from local residents

More: Kieran Mulvey called in to mediate Croke Park talks… on Garth Brooks

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    Mute jason bourne
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    Feb 12th 2017, 9:22 AM

    Wow.. fair play

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    Paul
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    Mute Paul
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    Feb 12th 2017, 9:26 AM

    What a brilliant out of the box idea – where they whole world is turning extreme right it’s refreshing to see the possibilities to be had while providing a service to African countries. We get bashed from pillar to post by politicians and inquiry after inquiry and sometimes lose track of what makes Irish people great.

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    Mute Mike
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    Feb 12th 2017, 9:43 AM

    @Paul: So a good news story about an African country gets dragged down by someone virtue signalling their hatred of all things right wing. IMO it’s a great story as it shows what people can do for themselves if given the help and resources to get started, One needs seed capital to participate in capitalism, these credit unions appear to be doing the right thing in getting economic activity going. Like many in the West they too wanted and have opted for change in government, here’s hoping the new guy can govern well and support these business people.

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    Mute Stiofán Mac Stáin
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    Feb 12th 2017, 10:05 AM

    @Paul: Capitalism at its best, private individuals and organisations taking matters into their own hands instead of waiting for the government to do something about it.

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    Mute Taylor
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    Feb 12th 2017, 9:54 AM

    Well said Paul! It’s nice to see something refreshing on the journal instead of negativity

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    Mute Debi Nikita
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    Feb 12th 2017, 11:08 AM

    Great news..

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    Mute Gerard Creedon
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    Feb 12th 2017, 12:13 PM

    Fair play !

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    Mute Ita Connolly
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    Feb 12th 2017, 9:59 PM

    My Dad worked with the Irish League of Credit Unions in the Gambia to help train local people and set up Credit Unions in 1998 and again in 2000. I’ve sent him this link. It’ll make his day.

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    Mute Gerry Fallon
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    Feb 12th 2017, 3:16 PM

    Rush credit union have a branch in Gambia,wow! Fair play to them.

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    Mute Anthony Byrne
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    Feb 13th 2017, 7:58 AM

    Should the headline not read “Gambians use’Gambian’ credit union system to …. Etc”

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