Slane residents voice concerns ahead of July concert weekend

Concerns around communication, traffic disruption and access were raised at a public meeting in Slane last Monday ahead of two Luke Combs concerts scheduled to take place at Slane Castle on 18th and 19th July.

The meeting, which was held as part of the Slane Community Forum and involved local resident groups, gardaí and representatives of concert promoters MCD, took place amid some local disquiet after a social media post advertising the meeting appeared only hours beforehand.

However, Fianna Fáil councillor Wayne Harding said formal notice had issued to community groups several days earlier.

“The notice went out last Thursday to the Slane Community Forum groups, asking them to circulate it to their members,” he said.

“There’s a difference between what may go up on Facebook and what was the actual notice.”

Despite this, a number of residents expressed frustration online at what they felt was short notice, with some saying they were unaware of the meeting until the day it took place.

The meeting comes just weeks after plans for a separate September concert at Slane Castle were shelved following engagement with local community groups, leaving the focus on the two concerts scheduled for later this year.

Up to 100 people attended Monday’s meeting, according to Cllr Harding, with a wide range of concerns raised over a two-hour discussion.

He said the primary issue highlighted by residents was communication with promoters.

“There was frustration in relation to communication, and that came across very clearly,” he said.

Among the key concerns raised were traffic management, access in and out of the village, and the potential impact on people with care needs or those relying on public transport.

“In relation to access, people spoke about getting to work, getting home, and also those who have care responsibilities in the home,” he said.

“Public transport was also raised, particularly the 190 bus service and how those who depend on it would be facilitated.”

This year’s concerts will be the first time Slane has hosted back-to-back events on consecutive days — something Cllr Harding acknowledged is “uncharted territory” for the village.

“That was a genuine concern that it’s never been done before,” he said.

MCD representatives, he said, listened to residents’ concerns and committed to a follow-up meeting, with issues raised forming part of the event licence application process.

“It was a very meaningful discussion. Everyone who wanted to speak got the opportunity, and the promoters took everything on board,” he said.

“They’ve committed to coming back to the community.”

Issues around resident access passes and ticket allocation were also discussed, with calls for easier access for locals during the events.

Cllr Harding said a commitment had been made to provide 1,000 tickets for residents, although details of how these will be allocated have yet to be confirmed.

The question of financial contribution to the community was also raised, with some residents arguing that any existing arrangements should be reviewed.

Cllr Harding said this was acknowledged at the meeting and would be examined further by the promoters.

While acknowledging that the concerts will bring disruption, he said efforts are being made to improve engagement with the community.

“There will be an impact but I welcome the approach taken at the meeting. The promoters listened and have committed to addressing the concerns raised.”

A further meeting is expected to take place in the coming weeks as part of ongoing engagement between organisers and the local community.

Former Slane publican Brian Kelly said greater communication with residents was needed.

“There needs to be more dialogue between the promoters and the people of the village,” he said.

Brian whose father previously operated what is now the Village Inn, also raised concerns about how back-to-back concerts could affect movement in and out of the village, particularly for workers and carers.

Despite the concerns raised, Cllr Harding said there was broad recognition of the positive impact concerts have had on the area over the years.

“The concerts have put Slane on the map and bring significant economic benefit to the wider area,” he said.

“However, residents’ concerns need to be addressed, and MCD have committed to engaging further with the community to try to resolve the issues raised.”