This article is from page 10 of the 2006-09-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
A NUMBER of well-known Clare musicians have expressed concern over Clare County Council’s plans to expel buskers from the Cliffs of Moher and hold subsequent auditions for musicians at the tourist attraction.
A letter signed by 43 performers from the Irish traditional music world states that they are concerned, “at the intentions of the Clare County council in relation to the performance of traditional music at the Cliffs and urge the council to establish dialogue with the musicians”.
Currently, 19 musicians and traders at the Cliffs are facing injunction proceedings in the Circuit Court which are due to be heard next month.
Those from Clare to have signed the letter include Martin Hayes, Tola Custy, Tony McMahon and author and broadcaster, PJ Curtis.
Other well-known musicians offering support to the buskers include Christy Moore, Liam O’Maonlai, Mary Black, Donal Lunny and Frankie Gavin.
Under the name of ‘Fili Amhranaithe Ceoltoiri na hEireann’ (FACE) or ‘Musicians, Singers and Poets of the Irish Tradition’, they state that the proposed injunction against buskers at the Cliffs “has serious implications for present and future members of our organisation”.
“The council will not communicate with the musicians involved. Communication with the musicians is vital to establish a coherent agreement.
“They are best placed to advise the council how to manage music at the Cliffs in the most appropriate way.”
PJ Curtis told The Clare People , “The council is engaging in bullyboy tactics by seeking to evict the buskers and its actions are anti-freedom of artistic expression.”
The council’s project leader, Ger Dollard, confirmed that the council may hold auditions as part of the expressions of interest process to license buskers at the Cliffs when the new centre becomes operational.
He said, “I recognise that there are genuine concerns amongst individuals regarding the overall situation.
On the one hand, the council is in a difficult position trying to rid the site of indiscriminate substandard busking which does nothing to add to the visitors experience or image of Irish tourism.
“On the other hand, meanwhile, the council respects those buskers who have engaged in a positive activity respecting the best traditions of the site.
“I would hope that people will bear with us as we work our way through this necessary process, which is in the best interests of all those genuinely interested in maintaining the required standard at our famous tourist attraction.”