Minister Costello condemns handling of Phoenix Park concerts

6 September 2012

by Cllr Joe Costello

Speaking at the Joint Policing Committee for Dublin Central this morning, Deputy Joe Costello condemned the failure by the relevant authorities to adequately protect the concert-goers in the Phoenix Park on the weekend of the 5th to the 8th of July, and for failing to give due consideration to the residents who live on the perimeter of the park.

The meeting also heard lengthy submissions from Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works, the Gardai, and MCD, the promoters who organized the three concerts.

Minister Costello said, "While the existing protocols sounded fine in theory, nevertheless, it was incontestable that there had been rampant drug and alcohol abuse, culminating in violence, a fatality and injuries inside the Phoenix Park, and little or no security for the thousands of residents in the streets surrounding the Park, who were subjected to a range of antisocial behaviour as the concert goers entered and left the Park.

"Clearly new protocols will have to be put in place between the promoters, the licensing authority, the OPW and the Gardai if further concerts are to be held. Residents associations, such as the Navan Road Community Council, the North Circular Road Residents Association, the Infirmary Road Residents Association, the Aughrim Street Residents Association and the Cabra Community Council, must also be consulted fully.

"Other issues that must be addressed are:

- the sale of alcohol to very young people both at the concerts and, often cheaply, in the surrounding off-licences and public houses
- the issues related to having a band like the Swedish House Mafia with a particular fan base in a location such as the Phoenix Park
- the undesirability of holding three large concerts in a single weekend in a single location
- the securing of residential areas against intoxicated fans, against public urination, and against widespread littering and other antisocial behaviour."

Deputy Costello concluded that no further concerts should be held in the Phoenix Park until all the issues were dealt with and all the authorities and stakeholders, including, particularly, the local residents, were satisfied that the events of the weekend of the 5th to 8th of July would not happen again.