The first pilot event, in a series of events to roll out over June and July, was curated by the National Concert Hall and saw James Vincent McMorrow and Sorcha Richardson perform in the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin.
The OPW partnered with my Department and the NCH to deliver this concert and there was no charge for the use of the Iveagh Gardens as this was a Government approved pilot event. My Department will provide a grant to the NCH to cover the costs of the pilot events over and above the ticket receipts. I am happy that the grant provided for much needed employment for the crews and artists involved. Details of costs are currently being finalised and I expect it to be in the region of €130,000.
The feedback from the audience, artists and crews working at the Iveagh Gardens event was very positive given that it was the first live music event of any scale in 15 months. As it was the first event the numbers were intentionally small to help us review event management protocols and we will build on capacities as we move through the summer in a safe and controlled manner. I will continue to keep these matters under review as the pilots progress and as public health guidance evolves.