THE MAN RESPONSIBLE for mediating between the parties in the Garth Brooks concert drama has said he hopes a solution is found within the next 24 hours.
Labour Relations Commission chief Kieran Mulvey has been leading negotiations between residents, GAA bosses and promoters, and published a report on the issue.
Speaking today on RTÉ Radio 1, Mulvey said that talks are ongoing, and the parties are “still working to see if some amicable situation can be put in place”.
‘We have to be creative’
He emphasised what has been made plainly clear: the law doesn’t allow any change when it comes to the council’s planning decision regarding the five concerts.
As it stands, the licence conditions only allow for three out of the five sold-out gigs to take place.
Mulvey acknowledged that the city manager would probably have a difficulty around changing the licence, even if he changes his mind.
We have to be creative too, because this is an issue of some national if not international interest too [...] there is a considerable amount of finances at stake and various interests.
Mulvey said the aim is to assist “the maximum amount of people who have a genuine vested interest in this”.
He also noted that the residents’ groups have varying viewpoints. He said that from the beginning the concerts were threatened with litigation, and emphasised that when it comes to legal threats he ‘pushes back’ a bit.
Licensing in Ireland
Mulvey described the licensing situation in Ireland as “extreme”, given that people can advertise events and sell tickets subject to licence.
“Up to now, 99% of these licences have been granted,” he said. “And this is the first time it hasn’t happened.”
He described the Garth Brooks concerts as having “extraordinary dimensions” and said that some effort has to be made to see if some revolution can be made within the next 24 – 48 hours: “probably more 24 than 48″.
Of the groups involved, Mulvey said he is getting cooperation from some, but others “don’t seem to be as creative as I want them to be”.
He also said that Croke Park residents should be given a year off concerts being held at the GAA stadium.
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