Residents do U-turn on Garth Brooks gigs

Croke Park residents have said in the past hour that they are now willing to facilitate the Garth Brooks gigs at the end of this month.
In a statement this afternoon, the officers of the Croke Park Community and Handball Centre say they are willing to consider a new direction to end the row over the five concerts.
“In the interest of all Croke Park communities, we are prepared to consider a new direction with a view to facilitating the holding of the Garth Brooks concerts,” reads the statement.
They have informed Christy Burke, Lord Mayor of Dublin, of their decision.

Meeting off
Meanwhile, a meeting between Mr Burke and the Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, Owen Keegan, that was due to take place at 5pm to see if a compromise could be reached over the staging of the concerts, has been called off.

Fianna Fáil bid
In another twist to Garthgate, Fianna Fáil has formally tabled legislation aimed at saving the concerts.
The party has officially introduced a Bill, which would allow the Minister for the Environment to overturn certain planning decisions by local authorities. In this case, it would give Phil Hogan the right to overrule Dublin City Council and grant a licence to allow the gigs.