A Dublin singer has blasted latest Covid restrictions as they have “destroyed” all concerts this Christmas.
James Vincent McMorrow described the new rules as “horrendous and depressing”.
He took to Twitter to criticise the Irish government for changing indoor concert capacity to 50 percent during the busiest period of the year.
He said: “The announcement today in Ireland has destroyed all shows this Christmas. That is a fact.
“Because you can't sell tickets and then go pick 50 percent of the crowd and tell them to f**k off. This is horrendous and depressing.
“The industry will desperately take this because, as ever, it is the bottom of the pile and gets treated accordingly.
“But until someone shows me a plan where every musician/venue/ent industry worker is made whole for their sudden lost work, this stuff feels fairly hollow.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Arts, Catherine Martin tweeted about the support that will be given to those in the industry.
She said: “I understand today's decision following NPHET advice is a huge blow to the entertainment sector already hurting.
"I've secured an extra €25m to support live entertainment, doubling Budget22's to €50m My officials will discuss its implementation w/stakeholders asap.
“The additional €25m will support those impacted including: venues, producers, promoters, artists, crews, nightclubs The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will also reopen for those who will need it as a result of today's decision.
“Support for tourism businesses impacted by today's announcement: The commercial rates waiver will be extended. A reformed CRSS was announced today.
“It will be a targeted scheme with weekly payments for hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés and other businesses impacted.”
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