Farmers opposed to festival

Plans to restage the Lisdoonvarna music festival after a lapse of 20 years are being opposed by the IFA, it emerged yesterday.

Plans for a June event were announced last month, provoking protests from locals who feared a repeat of the trouble and damage to property that occurred in 1983.

On that occasion, a group of bikers were part-paid in beer crates by the promoters to provide security after revellers breached the perimeter fence.

In response to the return of the music festival, expected to attract 25,000 people, the Doolin branch of the IFA has passed a motion calling for it not to go ahead.

The IFA president, Mr John Dillon, said yesterday: "I strongly support the position taken by the Doolin farmers. They have very genuine concerns about damage to their property and livestock."

In an objection lodged with Clare council, the branch's chairman, Mr Cyril Nagle, said "unbelievable carnage" was caused during the last concert.

The farmers' views are supported by the recently-formed Doolin Community Action Group.

Indicating the divisiveness of the proposed event, a number of tourist-related businesses in north Clare have lodged submissions stating it is imperative that the concert does go ahead.

Clare County Council is due to decide on the licence application next month.