A letter signed by 43 performers of traditional Irish music has expressed concern at Clare County Council's plans to expel buskers from the Cliffs of Moher and then hold auditions for musicians to play at the site next year when a visitors' centre opens.
Performers including Christy Moore, Mary Black, Donal Lunny and Martin Hayes say they are concerned "at the intentions of the Clare County Council in relation to the performance of traditional music at the cliffs, and urge the council to establish dialogue with the musicians".
Some 19 musicians and traders at the cliff are facing injunction proceedings next month in the Circuit Court.
Under the name of Filí Amhránaithe Ceoltóirí na hÉireann (FACE) or Musicians, Singers and Poets of the Irish Tradition, the performers say the proposed injunction against buskers "has serious implications for present and future members of our organisation".
"The council will not communicate with the musicians involved. Communication with the musicians is vital to establish a coherent agreement. They are best placed to advise the council how to manage music at the cliffs in the most appropriate way."
One of those musicians to sign the letter is PJ Curtis. The Co Clare man said yesterday: "In holding these auditions the council is setting itself up as the arbitrator of who can and cannot make a living."
The council's project leader Ger Dollard said yesterday: "Visitors have said that they have been bombarded with music and some of the musicians can't play very well and the presentation of some of the so-called musicians leaves a lot to be desired.
"The only way of dealing with it is a court injunction which will establish the fact that people do not have rights to go to the Cliffs of Moher [ to busk]. Once we can get that injunction we are quite happy to deal with traditional musicians and people who are genuine quality buskers and that is what the expressions of interest process is all about."
