16 Musicians Express Interest In Cliffs Of Moher Busking Scheme

Lightholler

Clare County Council has received a 'lower than expected' number of applications from musicians wishing to perform at the site of the new EUR 31.5 million Cliffs of Moher visitor centre project in north Clare. Sixteen applications have been submitted under the Busking Licence Scheme, which is aimed at ensuring busking is provided to a high standard in a properly managed and regulated fashion.

"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", stated Ger Dollard, project leader for Clare County Council's 'Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience' team.

Mr Dollard added that the Council's main objective in initiating this 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. While it remains to be seen what applicants are successful, the Council is confident that the musical offering at the Cliffs will be to the required standard", he said.

Commenting on whether audtitions would be held as part of the assessment process Mr. Dollard said, "Clare County Council will this week commence a process of assessing the sixteen applications. A decision in relation to the holding of auditions will be made once this process is complete. 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."

The Cliffs of Moher Busking Licence Scheme is similar to that adopted by London Underground Limited in 2003. Under the newly announced terms of the Local Authority Scheme, music played must reflect the culture and traditions of the Cliffs of Moher while 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 CD’s or other merchandise outside the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre building. However, the Local Authority has indicated that arrangements can be entered into for the sale of such products in the Visitor Centre.

Meanwhile, 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 with those who are approved for busking licences.

EUR 31.5 million is being invested to provide a vastly improved visitor experience at the world-renowned site. The project includes a major upgrade and extension of the Cliff edge walkways and pathways as well as a new visitor centre submerged into the landscape. The centre, which is due to open early next year, will feature an exhibition and multi-media presentation centre, tourist information office, cafe and restaurant to cater for the estimated 1,000,000 people who visit the cliffs every year.

Further details are available on www.cliffsofmoher.ie.