From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has announced a series of pilot events to bring live music and culture back to Irish audiences.
The highlight is an outdoor music festival – proposed for Dublin’s Phoenix Park – on 26 June. Events will take place around the country, featuring a mix of live music, comedy and other concerts. Numbers and locations will vary across counties and venues and the preparation of guidance for managing the events is under way. Other events, under the department’s remit of sport, will also be opening on a pilot basis.
Minister Martin said:
"It has been a long and difficult 15 months for so many musicians, artists, athletes, venue operators, crew and audiences.
"As Minister for Culture, the Arts and Sport, I have pressed for venues to be allowed reopen. Cabinet has agreed a list of exciting pilot events for arts and sports that we are now organising."
She pointed to the fact that, for the first time since early last year, people will now be able to gather to celebrate artists, enjoy sporting events, theatre productions and other entertainment:
"We are reopening our stages, concerts, sports, our country. We are back to doing what we love, what makes us Irish, connecting with people as we move together towards the recovery."
Minister Martin also secured agreement that from 7 June all cinemas, including drive-in venues, and theatres can reopen. The Minister also announced that thousands of pubs are set to benefit from a new outdoor service grant which will enhance European-style outdoor hospitality.
She added:
"Cabinet has agreed to my request that restrictions on performances at licensed venues, such as restaurants, pubs and hotels, will be reviewed as a priority. A new funding scheme for these musicians will be open for applications in the days ahead.
"We will also announce more funds for businesses in the live entertainment sector, for festival organisers, SMEs and suppliers too."