July 30, 1997
The Supreme Court today decides the future of outdoor events in Ireland.
Lawyers for supergroup U2 are appealing against a High Court ban on their sell -out concerts at Dublin's Lansdowne Road.
The judges' decision will decide the fate of shows by superstars like Oasis, the Rolling Stones and Spice Girls as well as the planned Three Tenors classical concert in the capital.
It also affects the Rose of Tralee, the Cork Jazz Festival and the national Ploughing Championship. Justice Declan Costello ruled Bono and co's PopMart gigs were illegal.
His decision followed objections from people who live near the sports stadium venue.
But the judge's decision that planning permission is needed to erect a stage has thrown outdoor events into jeopardy.
The Irish Rugby Football Union, which owns the ground, yesterday applied to appeal. Fans and politicians called for the U2 gigs go ahead.
And the Dublin Chamber of Commerce has also backed the concerts, saying fans' spending could be worth pounds 8million to the local economy.
Declan Martin, the chamber's economic director, said, "It would be a major boost for Dublin.
"You're talking about at least 600 part-time jobs. We're looking at about 80,000 people going to see these shows."
U2's PopMart tour, which costs pounds 1million a week, is expected to gross more than pounds 200 million.
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