ABOUT 80,000 tickets costing between £20 and £30 will be sold for the U2 concert at the Phoenix Park on August 10th, Dublin City Council was told last night. Details of arrangements for the concert were given by two councillors who had contacted the organisers, Aiken Promotions.
A number of councillors urged Dublin Corporation to insist, as a co promoter of the concert, that a portion of the tickets be distributed free to the unemployed. Cllr Sean Haughey (FF) suggested that a lottery system could be used to dispense free tickets.
It is understood that a number of residents' associations are objecting to the concert and intend submitting formal objections to Dublin Corporation.
The City Manager, Mr John Fitzgerald, said he was confident the concert would go ahead. He is on record as saying that it would be "a shame if U2 cannot play in their home city".
Cllr Joe Costello (Labour) said it was his understanding that the promoters hoped to stage a number of concerts at the Phoenix Park.
Cllr Tomas Mac Giolla (WP) said he understood from Aiken Promotions that the Phoenix Park would have to be closed to the public for the day. He also understood that alcohol would be sold at the concert, at least until 8 p.m.
Cllr Tom Stafford (FF) spoke on behalf of residents groups which were objecting to the concert. He said there would be so much debris left behind by fans that the park would be unusable for some weeks afterwards.
A number of councillors said that Dublin Corporation might not be able to close off the public road which runs through the park. Another said that Dublin Corporation would be liable for any injury caused to fans. In view of this, the security arrangements for the event should be the subject of great care.