Malahide Castle's liquor licence is in question ahead of June shows

With Depeche Mode, Paolo Nutini, Blur, Sam Fender, Florence and The Machine, Sting and Hozier due to headline Malahide Castle during June, the venue’s liquor licence has been objected by residents of the area.

Taking place from June 14th to 30th, each concert is expected to attract around 20,000 attendees.

MCD promoters had to apply to Judge Marie Quirke at Dublin’s District Court for an occasional licence to be able to serve alcohol on the premises.

Despite the scheduled events, neighbours Mary Lynch and Nicola Byrne from Old Street and Majella Dunne, of New Street, Malahide, jointly lodged objections to the licence.

Ms Byrne and Ms Dunne last year.

The liquor licence was approved by Judge Quirke however four extra gardaí were ordered to patrol New Street and Old Street from 10.30pm until 2am over the seven nights.

Ms Dunne had previously complained that the pedestrianisation of New Street and outdoor serving laws that were implemented during Covid-19 led to street drinking and public order incidents year-round.

"I feel now I am living in a beer garden," the Old Street resident said.

The residents flagged concerns that it may cause issues in the area that would involve thousands of people coming into Malahide village to drink before, during or after the concerts.

The latest challenge for the objectors sees the residents of Malahide contest that only one night of effective policing of street drinking occurred last year.

When questioned about arrests in Malahide during the concerts last year, Coolock Garda Inspector Oliver Woods claimed that Swords and Howth experienced the same amount; gardaí were doing their best, but when questioned by Ms Byrne, admitted that a "zero tolerance approach" was unrealistic.

RTÉ News reported that a planner for the Fingal County Council stated that the concert series were allowed with 28 conditions, one of those being the serving of drinks to be prohibited past 10pm.

Next week, the case will resume when three residents are due to give supporting evidence for their objections.

The same residents also have a current objection before the court with regards to outdoor serving at three local pubs.