This article is from page 8 of the 2006-10-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
CLARE County Council yesterday confirmed that the number of applicants seeking to busk at the Cliffs of Moher when the new €31.5 million visitor centre becomes operational next year has been ‘lower than expected’.
The date for applications to the council’s busking licence scheme closed last Friday, attracting 16 applications.
“The council will this week commence a process of assessing the 16 applications. A decision in relation to the holding of auditions will be made once this process is complete,” said Ger Dollard, project leader for the council’s ‘Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience’.
“The aim of any such auditions would be to ensure that there is a certain musical standard set for all who wish to busk at the Cliffs of Moher and that applicants have a wide enough repertoire so as not to be too repetitive.
“From an initial review of the applications, there appears to be a wide range of musical styles and instruments represented, respecting the best traditions of busking at the Cliffs of Moher.”
Mr Dollard added that the council’s main objective in initiating the process was to ensure that busking activity met the standards being set by the new visitor experience project, which is now nearing completion.
“Whilst the number of applications is somewhat less than expected, I think that the extensive media coverage of the issue has clearly brought home to people the necessity for an improved standard and that the previous approach is no longer acceptable,” he said.
The Cliffs of Moher Busking Licence Scheme is similar to that adopted by London Underground Limited in 2003.
Under the terms of the scheme, music played must reflect the culture and traditions of the Cliffs of Moher.
Musicians who successfully obtain a licence will be permitted to busk during visitor centre opening hours.
The council has also determined that sound amplification will not be permitted and musicians will not be permitted to sell CDs or other merchandise outside the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre building.
However, arrangements can be entered into for the sale of such products in the Visitor Centre.
Busking pitches will be allocated to licensed buskers for a specific period during each day and will be rotated to ensure that all licensed buskers have the opportunity to play at each location.
Exact arrangements for rostering, time slots, rotation system and general operational arrangements will be the subject of discussion.