THE chances of watching the Republic of Ireland’s matches in the European Championships this summer on a giant screen in the city centre have been dashed by Dublin City Council.
Dublin North Central TD Aodhán Ã? RÃordáin (Lab) wrote to Dublin City Manager John Tierney asking him to take the initiative on the big screen project, which he has been campaigning on for many years.
However, the city council has poured cold water on the proposal.
Deputy Ã? RÃordáin wants large sporting events, such as the European Championships and the European Rugby Cup Final involving Leinster, to be screened in the heart of the city for fans who could not attend the events in person.
“It is the mark of a truly modern European city that its public realm is valued and that occasions that can unite the city are prioritised and celebrated,
? he told Northside People.
“Right across Europe, city authorities have arranged for major sporting events to be screened in large public spaces to foster a deepening sense of local and national pride.
“Every time a major international sporting event takes place, we see images of fans in cities such as London, Berlin and Paris supporting their respective teams at outdoor screenings and I would love for fans in Dublin to be able do the same.
“We thankfully have many big sporting occasions to look forward to in the coming weeks and months, and we should be celebrating and experiencing them as a city.
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Deputy Ã? RÃordáin believes that with a little vision, and with co-operation from the private sector, Dublin City centre could host a series of family-friendly big screen events for fans to cheer on their team.
“City centre retailers would also welcome the opportunity to see more pedestrian traffic in the city,
? he stated.
“I look forward to working on this issue with the council over the coming weeks in order to ensure that there is a facility for people to take part in a civic celebration of sporting achievement.
“This proposal makes economic and civic sense and I hope the city manager looks positively on my proposal.
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A spokeswoman for Dublin City Council said that on previous occasions it has discussed the possibility of public screenings of big sporting events in public areas in the city.
“However, following analysis it would seem that there is little public demand for such screenings unless all the ancillary elements were provided – bars, entertainment and family friendly activities,
? she told Northside People.
“Also, public screenings of major events would have to be carried out in a safe, secure environment and require major event planning and Garda support.
“Therefore, those events that are generally covered by terrestrial TV for home viewing and shown in bars may have sufficient coverage without the need to invest significant public monies to stage centrally.
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The spokeswoman added:
“If any of the sporting codes are interested in showing major events to their fan base/public Dublin City Council would be happy to assist in promoting these opportunities.
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