Plans to re-stage the Lisdoonvarna music festival this June are being opposed by local residents who claim north Clare will not be able to cope with the attendance.
After a gap of 20 years, the festival is to be staged over one day at the end of June on a large site between Doolin and Lisdoonvarna. The concert promoters expect a crowd of 20,000 for the event and yesterday lodged a licence with Clare County Council to hold the concert which is to be headlined by Christy Moore. However, a Doolin-based group strongly opposes the event and have already held a public meeting.
Ms Mary Gray of the Doolin Action Group said yesterday the "majority of people in Doolin are against this. . . The site is totally unsuitable where the access roads would be unable to serve it.
"Doolin has completely changed in the 20 years since the last festival and the quality tourism profile we have built up over the years would be put at jeopardy."
Promoter Mr Jim Shannon dismissed the group as a "very small vocal minority . . . The festival has the potential to generate €3-€4 million for the area. It is going to be a difficult year for tourism and it is unfortunate and sad that the home of music, Doolin, is trying to stop the music."
