Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that all of the concerts have been cancelled and that the singer involved, Garth Brooks, is not now coming to Ireland, an implication of which is the loss to the economy and city of €250 million. However, there is a planning process in place which is the law. That planning process allows for only three concerts to be held this year. I understand that this will not now happen. Even if Deputy Dooley's Bill were accepted, it is now too late in that the singer involved, Garth Brooks, in terms of his integrity and credibility as a performer and artist, has stated that he will perform five concerts or none. I am sure this is a great disappointment to his many hundreds of thousands of fans here. It is a shock to the system in terms of the economy of this city and the reputation of our country. I hope that on the next occasion these kinds of issues arise they will be more efficiently handled. That is not to decry Deputy Dooley's Bill, which I have not yet had sight of. Obviously, consideration will be given to it and how relevant it might be.

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