Govt changes planning laws for outdoor gigs
08/04/2001 - 10:21:51The prospect of a second U2 concert at Slane this year moved a step closer today after the Minister for the Environment simplified the criteria for staging outdoor events.
Under Minister Noel Dempsey's new regulations, promoters will be obliged to seek licences for outdoor events from the local planning authorities.
Local communities will have a say in whether or not these licences should be granted.
The new system will apply to any event expected to attract an audience of 5,000 persons or more.
Each licence application will undergo a four-week public consultation process with local state agencies such as the Gardai and health boards.
Mr Dempsey will present his proposals to the Oireachtas next week and they should be approved before the summer recess.
