Louth County Council reaches agreement on Blackrock Funfair

Louth County Council has said that it has reached agreement with the operator of the Blackrock Funfair regarding its operation during this year's Blackrock Summer Festival.

The local authority said in a statement today that: "Following a legal hearing on Tuesday, 12th August, Louth County Council reached agreement with K Allen & Sons Ltd regarding the operation of the Blackrock Funfair.

"The agreement provides Louth County Council with the protection of the Courts to ensure full compliance with the terms of the licence. 

"Under the agreed terms, the festival organisers will operate in a limited capacity, will be fully responsible for all clean-up obligations, have clarified and confirmed insurance and indemnities, and must maintain access for council and emergency services.

"Over the next five days, Louth County Council will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that all conditions are met."

The organiser of the Blackrock Funfair, Killian Allen, had feared for the future of the funfair, due to calls for it to be reduced to three days. In a petition he began to raise support for the funfair to be allowed run its planned duration, Mr Allen said that they had reduced their stay in Blackrock from 14 days to 9 in good faith, to address local concerns.

Mr Allen had said in his petition, that the funfair is "fully compliant with all legal requirements and contributes positively to the local economy, culture, and family life. Despite this, pressure from a small number of individuals—who do not represent the wider community—now threatens our ability to operate in Blackrock and to secure a location in Carlingford.

He added that "We have already reduced our stay in Blackrock from 14 days to 9 in good faith, to address local concerns. But further restrictions would be unfair, especially given that:

• The car park we use is public property, available to all through official channels.
• We pay full fees, follow all regulations, and meet all paperwork deadlines.
• The event fosters community spirit and supports tourism in the area.
• Funfairs are part of Irish cultural tradition, recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage."