A lack of affordable accommodation will cause a decline in artists performing in Ireland, an industry expert has warned.
Several upcoming concerts in Dublin are still not sold out, including Sting and Blur who are both performing in Malahide Castle in June.
Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, whose spokeswoman Rebecca Cappuccini told Newstalk Breakfast this is partly due to a lack of accommodation in Dublin.
“I’m going to Sting next month, and I looked into hotel prices for one night: €360,” she said. “Kodeline are also playing in Cork, but it's actually more affordable to travel to Belfast.”
Ms Cappuccini said the MEAI is noticing an “attendance shortage” at Irish concerts as hotels become less accessible.
GAPHAX Bruce Springsteen in concert - Dublin. Bruce Springsteen plays the first of three sell out gigs at the RDS in Dublin, Ireland. Many people reported that it was cheaper to travel abroad to see Bruce Springsteen rather than find accommodation in Dublin.“We're also noticing that a lot of international acts are unable to come over here due to accommodation shortages across the country,” she explained.
“A lot of artists are choosing to come over with their sleeper vans in order to facilitate their giant crews if they can’t find hotels that can actually accommodate them.”
Solutions for asylum seekers
Hotels have become a prime location for the Government to house refugees and asylum seekers – and Ms Cappuccini said this isn’t sustainable.
“These are all measures that were supposed to be temporary,” she argued.
“So hopefully the Government can step in and make more permanent, feasible accommodation.”
When accommodation becomes available, Ms Cappuccini said it needs to be more affordable for people who are already paying high prices for big concerts.
"Inventive" solutions
Until then, Ms Cappuccini told potential concerts goers to find “inventive” solutions to the accommodation shortage.
“So, looking into group accommodations, renting out vacation homes that might work out cheaper,” she suggested.
Better transport infrastructure would also allow more people to travel home after a concert, Ms Cappuccini argued.
The music industry has “had the hardest three years of their lives”, according to Miss Cappuccini, and it needs more support to facilitate concerts.
“[The industry] is finally in a situation where they can reinvigorate, and it’s very much needed that a solution is found so that we don’t suffer anymore,” she said.
