Date for Reopening live music scene not agreed by cabinet, industry figures told by Minister Catherine Martin

The Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland have asked the Government to set a concrete date for reopening the live music industry this afternoon, halfway through awareness week for the music sector.

Others working in the live music economy and the MEAI - which represents 5,000 members including musicians, bands, entertainers, DJs and crew - met Minister for Arts Catherine Martin at 2pm today to discuss a roadmap for large-scale gigs and festivals to return.

Martin reportedly told them today that the cabinet has not agreed on a date yet for reopening.

"We hope it won’t be just another case of kicking the can down the road", said Matt McGranaghan, their spokesman. "The Taoiseach needs to take this industry and those who work in it more seriously. He needs to intervene now and take control. He needs to put pressure on the relevant Departments to create the guidelines and the scenarios to re-opening this industry."

They have also written a letter to the Taoiseach and other Government Ministers reiterating their desire for a reopening date, also expressed by their #NameTheDate campaign.

"We are requesting that a date is now given for the full re-opening of the sector," the letter states.

"Our industry cannot function without the provision for full capacity, and we need a date that shows the full commitment from the Government to get it re-opened."

The campaign also highlights that many of their members have had little or no work since the pandemic began, with many potentially losing their Pandemic Unemployment Payment in September.

Although there have been various trial concerts and events this summer, no large-scale concerts that we were accustomed to before the pandemic have taken place this year.

Electric Picnic looks set to be the latest gig casualty, as Laois County Council refused permission for the event to go-ahead earlier this month.

Organisers have since expressed their intention to carry out the festival in some form later this year.

We're asking the government to please #namethedate so we can go back to what we do best.

#namethedate #meai #mebas #escss @rtenews @VirginMediaNews @NewstalkFM @TodaywithClaire @morningireland @mcd_productions @IHFcomms @VFIpubs @LVADublinPubs @RAI_ie pic.twitter.com/smflDnlDa3

— MEAI (@meaiireland) August 17, 2021