Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 30 March 2021

Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht

Impact of Covid-19 on the Entertainment Sector: Discussion

Mr. Sunil Sharpe:

First, we need to protect spaces and venues. Development is going to happen very quickly and we are going to lose many more spaces. We need a cultural clause to guide developers. We need to ensure that within all of the development currently under way there will be cultural spaces. It is not good enough to allow developers to do what they like with these spaces. They are privileged to be given the opportunity to take over vast swathes of our cities and towns and they must provided something in the way of cultural amenities. That is top of the list.

Second, we need flexibility in terms of regulations. There needs to be a transparent online system for licensing and permits that is quicker and ensures everybody knows what is going on. Ultimately, that will be cheaper as well.

Third, we need to be inclusive of all creative communities and provide the necessary supports. As I said earlier, it is important that all in the sector, including those in entertainment, culture and hospitality, are listened to.

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