Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The decision to hold five shows seems to have been made around 30 January; the application was made on 17 April and the reply issued on 2 July. This meant that there were fans going around for six months with tickets for an event which was subject to licence. The term "subject to licence" must be qualified. When the Chairman gets committee members together after the delegates leave, that will be the kernel of the matter. Let us have proper procedures, as Deputy Noel Harrington stated, as one has in dealing with any other planning application, including notes taken at meetings on progress made. In my other line of business, one could meet a student during the year and say he or she was doing fairly well, but the student must then do it in a three hour examination, make a submission or a dissertation that meets requirements. Informal conversations probably should not continue. The system must be much more formalised in order that concert goers do not go around for six months with tickets in their pockets for an event which is subject to licence.

The concerts sector has caused problems. There were problems in Slane, Fairyhouse, Ratoath and the Phoenix Park, with all-in mud wrestling. The reality is that residents are nervous about concerts. I wonder whether there decibel limits limits for concerts. I was five miles from Marley Park, yet one could hear the noise from it, which infringed on the wider populous.

This is the transport committee. I was asked why there was not greater access by train to Drumcondra Station, one could not get to it from Bray or anywhere else in the south. The service from Maynooth is hugely popular on match days when significant numbers use the train service, which is good.

I have another question for Mr. Duffy. Was there supposed to be a station at the other end of the stadium? The Canal End is also near a railway line which was considered in the original planning process. If one was able to use such services for big events, including football matches and concerts, some of the agitation among residents might be diluted.

We will try to see what can be done in the way of measures to prevent a recurrence. As Mr. O'Boyle stated, it is a pity for everybody concerned and, as Mr. Aiken stated, it should never happen again.