The Managing Director of Festival Republic, which runs Electric Picnic, has called on Laois County Council to immediately reverse its decision not to grant the event a licence.
The new appeals come after Dr Tony Holohan signalled that NPHET would not have a “major concern” if Electric Picnic went ahead, provided only fully vaccinated people were allowed to attend.
Speaking at the NPHET briefing, Dr Holohan said he wouldn’t have a major concern with outdoor events going ahead for those who are fully vaccinated.
When asked whether outdoor events such as Electric Picnic could be permitted for those who are fully vaccinated, Dr Holohan said “we wouldn’t have a major concern to express in public health terms about that if that could be achieved.”
He adds: “We wouldn't have a concern from a public health point of view to express about an event that happened that was confined to vaccinated people.
In a statement that was released this evening, Melvin Benn of Festival Republic has said: "It’s hard for me to believe what I just read but I want to.
"We are asking Laois County Council to immediately reverse the decision it took to refuse the licence and grant it immediately in line with the CMO’s conditions: that everyone attending should be vaccinated, exactly as we said a month ago.
"What a springboard to the future this could be. Change the decision Laois County Council and let’s have the Picnic. Tell us tomorrow and we are on our way."
After deciding not to give Electric Picnic a licence, Laois County Council said: “Laois County Council has today made the decision to refuse a licence to hold the 2021 Electric Picnic event at Stradbally, Co Laois.
"The decision has been made following the most up to date public health advice made available to the Council from the HSE.
“Furthermore, it is noted that under current government measures for the management of Covid-19, events of this nature are restricted to an attendance of 500 people only.”
The festival had originally been scheduled to take place in late September.
