Outdoor concert licensing system to be introduced
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern T.D. and Environment and Local Government Minister Noel Dempsey TD today (Tuesday 13 March) announced that the licensing system for outdoor concerts, provided for in the Planning and Development Act, 2000, will be introduced as a priority measure.
The Taoiseach said, "It has been clear to us for some time that the planning system is not the appropriate vehicle under which to consider applications for outdoor events. That was the reason we included in the new Planning and Development Act a more appropriate licensing system which will cover a wide range of events, including concerts such as those held in Slane, and which will shorten the decision making process."
Speaking from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Minister Dempsey said " I am more than happy to bring forward work on introducing the new licensing system. Enhancing the decision making powers of local authorities, while maintaining the right to public input, can only be a positive development."
The new licensing system will be introduced by Statutory Regulations at the earliest possible date. These Regulations can only be formally made when resolutions approving them have been passed by the Dail and Seanad.