Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
271. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the Office of Public Works provided the use of the Iveagh Gardens to the National Concert Hall for free; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32605/21]
View answerThe 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.
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.
