Two concerts featuring Canadian rock group Arcade Fire, which sold out within minutes on the internet, are to be staged in a "big top" arena in the Phoenix Park next week.
The venue, which promoter MCD says is the "largest single-tented structure ever erected in Ireland", will host several other artists over the coming weeks, including Bloc Party, Ian Brown, Enrique Iglesias and Manu Chao.
Arcade Fire begin their European tour in the big top, located just off the main traffic route through the park, next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Doors open at 7pm and the 10,000-strong crowd expected to attend will be travelling to the venue during peak evening traffic hours. Very little parking will be available in the park, with just 1,600 spaces. MCD and AA Roadwatch have advised ticket holders to use public transport.
"There will be 50 buses operated by Dublin Bus providing a shuttle service from Burgh Quay in the city centre from 7pm, with a return service after the show. There is also a Luas stop at Heuston station and several local buses which stop at the park gates," MCD project manager Louis Harte said.
The delays experienced at the Barbra Streisand concert, also organised by MCD, earlier this year will not be repeated, he said. "The problems experienced at the Barbra Streisand concert were down to the weather."
Met Éireann is predicting mild and breezy conditions with a risk of rain in places on Tuesday.
Some locals are opposed to the sanctioning of concerts in the park. "We are very concerned about wildlife and we are also unhappy about the extra traffic," said Pat Alison of the Navan Road Community Council.
