Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I am very glad of this opportunity to bring this matter into the Chamber and address some of the grievances experienced by the communities and residents who live near Croke Park, particularly those who live within the cordon area. I am delighted the Minister is here because these issues touch on each aspect of his role, relating to the environment, local government and community. I distinguish between Croke Park, which is a corporate, profit-making entity, and the GAA. I totally support the great work the GAA does throughout the country, particularly with young people. However, over some time there have been very fractious relationships between the communities and Croke Park.

There are three types of issues. First, there are long-standing issues regarding events in Croke Park. They relate to access for people to and from their homes on match days, residents' fears as to whether there is an adequate evacuation plan in the event of an emergency, litter and anti-social behaviour. Second, Croke Park is suing members of the handball and community centre. As that is a legal matter, I will park it. Third, there is an issue with the concerts. I accept the business aspect of this and that small businesses such as hotels, bars and restaurants are delighted with an influx of 400,000 Garth Brooks fans who will descend on the area. However, there are major issues for the residents.

Some time ago an agreement was made between Croke Park and the residents committing to three concerts. I saw the agreement. Three concerts were arranged for May this year for a group called One Direction. Those concerts will interfere with the local and European elections. One of the polling stations is close to Croke Park, so people will be discommoded. As well as those three concerts, an American football match has been planned and residents have learned that there will be five concerts by Garth Brooks. Nobody objects to the fact that it is Garth Brooks, but to the fact that there are five concerts one after the other. The residents heard about it through the media. First there were to be two concerts, then three, four and five. A sixth concert could have been scheduled but for the outcry by people about this.

As well as the five concerts in a row, the set up and tear down of the equipment will take several days. It is ironic that people from Croke Park are coming on the radio and television saying they want to be good neighbours with the residents, and this is how they show it. There is no meaningful consultation with the residents and they had to find out about the concerts from radio and television. There are issues relating to the environment, community and local government.

There is also the issue of the licence, although I know this is a local government matter. Under what sort of system are tickets sold for a concert before a licence is granted, as it does not seem to make sense? This is not sour grapes on the part of people who live there and we should put ourselves in their position. Some people bought their houses in the area when Croke Park had a capacity of 45,000 or 50,000. They are now living beside a stadium with a capacity of 83,000 and although it is magnificent, it is a venue for concerts and other events. One must come to the conclusion that this is pure profit making and greed on behalf of the corporate entity of Croke Park.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this matter which is the subject of much media attention. As she may be aware, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the redevelopment of Croke Park stadium on 9 March 1993. Condition No. 11 attached to the planning permission allows for the holding of three special events such as concerts in the stadium each calendar year, subject to the approval of an event management plan which must be submitted by way of compliance submission to the planning department of Dublin City Council. Any additional event proposed to be held in Croke Park in excess of the three events permitted per calendar year must be approved by way of a public event licence application to Dublin City Council under the provisions of section 230 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Any application under these provisions which can be for one or more events must be submitted at least ten weeks prior to the date of the first event.

The pop group One Direction is holding three concerts in Croke Park on successive days between 23 and 25 May and it is my understanding these concerts are taking place under the terms of condition No. 11 attached to the 1993 planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála. It is also my understanding approval of the event management plan for these concerts will be issued by Dublin City Council next week. The five concerts to be undertaken by Garth Brooks on successive dates at the end of July are required to be separately approved by means of obtaining a public event licence under the terms of section 230 of the Planning and Development Act. In this regard, Dublin City Council has not received an application for a public event licence for these concerts to date. However, as I have indicated, event organisers have until ten weeks prior to the date of the first concert to submit an application for a public event licence.

Under the public event licensing provisions contained in section 230 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, any third party can make observations on the application within five weeks of the date of lodgement of the public event licence application with the relevant authority. With regard to the proposed five Garth Brooks concerts at the end of July, it will be a matter for Dublin City Council to assess the application for the public event licence when it is received, taking account of third party observations. It will, of course, be open to residents in the vicinity of the Croke Park stadium to submit written observations to Dublin City Council during the period open for the submission of such observations.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for the answer and have absolutely no doubt many of the residents will make submissions. The point is that the problem could have been pre-empted if a different system had been in place under which a licence would be applied for first and conditions could be attached. There could also be better relations between the parties running Croke Park stadium and residents. Those running Croke Park stadium could take on board the genuine grievances and issues of residents. Those running Croke Park stadium are in receipt of considerable Government funding and surely there is a way by which they could be answerable to the Government on the matter. Is the Minister stating there is absolutely no role for him in this matter? Nobody wants to see what is happening. I recently attended a community meeting at which much anger was expressed because this is another stage in the difficult relationship between the people running Croke Park stadium and residents. It would be good to have another move towards bringing about a resolution. This will require more pressure and another intervention in order that those running Croke Park stadium will participate in taking a common-sense approach and take on board what is happening in the surrounding area.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I hope the Deputy knows that, according to planning legislation, I am the only person in the House who cannot intervene in the planning process. We would like to help if we could, but, legally, I am precluded from doing so. Politically, Deputies in this House have got into a fair amount of trouble during the years for intervening in planning matters which did not get us anywhere. I understand the sentiments being expressed by the Deputy on behalf of her constituents. I have, however, outlined the process which must take its course. There is a fairly rigorous application procedure laid down under law in respect of licences that must be granted to allow the concerts to proceed. I advise those involved to go through these processes. This is primarily a matter for the planning department of Dublin City Council, to which written submissions can be sent. The case outlined by the Deputy on behalf of her constituents can be made as robustly as possible.