CONCERT PROMOTER MCD has had extensive talks with the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission with a view to making a formal complaint about Garda handling of the Swedish House Mafia concert in the Phoenix Park in Dublin on July 7th.
MCD may also take a civil action against the Garda.
Trust between the Garda and the country’s biggest concert promoter broke down in the wake of a letter sent by Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan that blamed MCD for the problems at the concert, which was marred by drunkenness and violence.
The covering letter summarised a report given to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter about security at the concert. The report is not being made public.
MCD has disputed the contents of the letter, which said stewarding was inadequate, the event control centre was not fit for purpose and the Phoenix Park was not a suitable venue for such a concert.
Denis Desmond of MCD accused the commissioner of going back on a commitment to consult the promoter before publishing his conclusions.
He described the report as “unbalanced”.
MCD has disputed the commissioner’s version of events, stating that the number of gardaí on duty for the day was agreed in advance and no complaint was made about the security arrangements before or after the event.
The promoter also maintains the Garda did not properly police the area around the Phoenix Park, leading to many fans turning up to the concert inebriated.
MCD has called for a public inquiry into the events, as well as for publication of the Garda report to the Minister for Justice.
