Council to write to OPW over demands being placed on locally run festivals and events at Trim landmark

The difficulties voluntary community groups are facing while dealing with the OPW in relation to hosting events in the Porchfields in Trim and the “hoops” they are being made jump through was blasted by a number of local councillors at their July meeting.

Cllr Noel French brought up the matter saying: “I'm very concerned about the use of the Porchfields by voluntary groups. There seems to be a change of policy with regard to voluntary groups. I know Trim Haymaking ran into some difficulties, I know King John's Proms ran into some difficulties and now it would appear the Royal Meath Show are running into difficulties.

“I wasn't aware that anything had changed but apparently it has. These are voluntary groups running events that are for the community, run by the community. They have to stretch themselves in order to run these events. By putting additional conditions in front of them, it makes it more difficult for them to run events.”

Cllr Joe Fox said the Haymaking Festival had run into “fierce trouble” and while it all got resolved in the end, the event didn't go ahead due to the weather.

“It's outrageous. These are voluntary groups, they haven't got time for this nonsense- how many stakes you put in the ground and archaeologists’ reports and the like. This all emerged this year, in previous years it just sailed through. In fairness to all these voluntary groups, they go through all due diligence and have their insurance and everything in order. Then at the last minute they are making them jump through hoops and it is putting fierce stress on the committees who are within a month of this major event - the Royal Meath Show- and the committees are pulling their hair out.”

He went on to say it was public land and a major amenity for the town. “Trim show has been there for 30 years and leave it the way they got it. The same with all the groups- there is never any problem with how it is looked after.”

He suggested they write a “strong letter” to the OPW to point out that is it a public amenity and they are trying to promote tourism and events in the town and then they are then trying to put obstacles in the way.

Cllr Ronan Moore said they needed to go further and there needs to be involvement at a higher level. He said the Porchfields were such an important aspect to the town in terms of tourism and that this “needs to be nipped in the bud”.

Cllr Paul O'Rourke said Púca didn't seem to have these difficulties and it was pointed out that they do have to so the same but have more resources behind them. When asked what the issue was, engineer Donna Pringle said the OPW did not want any form of penetration in the ground and are recommending tyres be filled with concrete for fencing and that weights be used for marquees and that they are also looking for 12 month's notice.

Director of Services Des Foley said he would get in contact with the OPW to discuss the issues with them.