Green light for Slane concerts as €61,000 community fund announced

Two major concerts at Slane Castle this July have been given the green light, with Meath County Council confirming that an event licence has been issued to MCD Productions.

The decision comes weeks after residents raised concerns about traffic management, road closures, access arrangements and the impact of the concerts on daily life in the village.

Two meetings involving residents, MCD Productions, An Garda Síochána, Slane Castle owner Alex Mountcharles and other stakeholders were held in recent months, during which a range of issues were raised by members of the local community.

As part of the licensing arrangements, MCD has committed to establishing a €61,000 community fund to support local initiatives in the Slane area. The fund, which will be administered by Meath County Council, represents an increase on the €30,000 contribution initially proposed by organisers.

The promoter has also engaged with local organisations regarding opportunities arising from the concerts, including participation in the Deposit Return Scheme and volunteer roles linked to the events. Concert tickets have also been made available to members of the local community.

The return of live music to Slane marks a significant moment for the venue, which has long been regarded as one of Ireland's most iconic outdoor concert locations and has delivered considerable cultural and economic benefits to the region over the years. The two sold-out Luke Combs concerts, scheduled for 18th and 19th July , are expected to attract tens of thousands of fans to the Co Meath venue.

Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said the establishment of the community fund would provide a direct benefit to the local area.

"There has been a significant level of engagement locally in advance of these events. The establishment of a community fund ensures that there will be a clear and tangible benefit for the local area alongside the return of concerts to Slane, which is a very positive outcome," he said.

The council said work would continue in the lead-up to July to support the safe and effective delivery of the concerts while maintaining an appropriate balance between cultural, economic and community considerations.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Wayne Harding said the meetings had provided an opportunity for residents to raise concerns directly with organisers and other stakeholders.

"Slane Community Forum facilitated two meetings of consultation with the local community, MCD, An Garda and Slane Castle owner Alex Mountcharles throughout the application process. I would liked to have seen the community fund higher but I do welcome much more clarity around tickets for the event for residents and residents passes. MCD have taken responsibility for the distribution of both.

"The consultation meetings also brought up queries around carers access to homes they visit and residents with medical difficulties. These issues have and will be prioritised. There was also issues raised of milk collection on local farms.

"I very much welcome that Meath County Council will administer the community fund. Never before has all stakeholders involved in the Slane Rock Concerts been in the room through the planning process.

"I have asked that MCD now communicate directly with residents through a leaflet about all that has been agreed, when tickets and residents passes will be available and the exact extent of road closures."