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Curtis Hilbun/AFF/EMPICS Entertainment
Dispute
Residents want to talk to Croke Park about more than just Garth Brooks
The solicitor representing the locals want mediation talks to bring in wider issues around the running of the stadium.
THE LEGAL TEAM for the Croke Park residents wants discussions between the two disputing parties to be about more than just Garth Brooks and his five-night run.
Solicitor Anthony Fay has argued that the terms of reference of the mediation talks should be widened beyond the current Garth Brooks controversy.
Locals are unhappy about the country music superstar’s planned five-night stint at the Dublin stadium this summer.
In an open letter released last week, the Croke Park Residents Committee say they believe the concerts will not only breach existing clauses in Croke Park’s permission to hold such events, but also contravenes United Nations charters on human rights.
The letter also threatened legal action.
On 6 March, Croke Park suggested that the Labour Relations Commission chief Kieran Mulvey could chair talks. Incidentally, he was the man who chaired the original Croke Park Agreement (and its sequel, the Haddington Road deal).
Fay asked for Croke Park to consider wider discussions and “in the spirit of conciliation” to discontinue legal proceedings against the management committee of the Irish Handball Centre in Dublin 3.
Pairc an Chrocaigh Teoranta (PACT), the corporate arm of the GAA is seeking an injunction directing them to vacate the centre, damages and legal costs.
“This course of action is doing irreparable damage to the relationship between Croke Park and the local community which at best has been very volatile in recent years,” said Fay, who is not surprised at the level of community outrage and anger over the number of summer concerts.
“It is vitally important that Croke Park now behaves in a respectful manner towards the residents and is more forthcoming in its dealings…GAA Headquarters needs to mend fences and will require the community on board if it is to be involved in any future concerts, the Croke Villas development & funding applications.”
Eight big gigs are planned for the summer months, including five Garth Brooks concerts and three nights of One Direction.
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