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Musicians and artists have called for the Government to publish a plan to reopen the live entertainment industry in Ireland.<\/p>\nMusicians and artists have called for the Government to publish a plan to reopen the live entertainment industry in Ireland.<\/p>\n
Up to 100 demonstrators took part in a protest outside the D\u00e1il, which is sitting in the Convention Center in Dublin, to demand a commitment from the Government to reopen the sector.<\/p>\n
Industry professionals say they have been out of a job for more than a year and want clarity on a plan that will see the return of live music.<\/p>\n
Live music has been banned from all venues, despite the reopening of the outdoor hospitality sector and changes in the number of guests allowed to attend weddings.<\/p>\n
Events singer Jenny O\u2019Donovan said guidance to allow live music should be published.<\/p>\n
Ms O\u2019Donovan, who sings at wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and funerals, has had to get a job as a carer.<\/p>\n
\u201cSinging was my full-time gig and I wasn\u2019t getting the full PUP (Pandemic Unemployment Payment) payment so I had to get a carer job, which I am very grateful for but it\u2019s not something I want to wake up every day and want to do,\u201d she told the PA news agency.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really want to get back to singing, it\u2019s good for the soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is concern that the rising number of Covid-19 cases associated with the Delta variant, first identified in India, may delay further reopening in Ireland.<\/p>\n
Ms O\u2019Donovan added: \u201cIt breaks my heart. Last year, when there was no vaccinations, there was Level 3 and we were allowed to play in the corner away from everyone. Why can\u2019t we make it safe for clients and couples now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo music is no good for everyone, it brings up your mood.\u201d<\/p>\n
Musician John Flannagan, who performs pop, country and traditional music in bars and at weddings, said: \u201cWe\u2019ve been silenced from playing music.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last gig we had was on March 12 last year. There has been no live music and there is no direction when we can go back to work.<\/p>\n
\u201cF\u00e1ilte Ireland issued guidelines a few weeks ago banning live music and any sort of entertainment.<\/p>\n
\u201cLive music doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be loud music, we just want to go back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n