This article is from page 19 of the 2012-10-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
BUSKERS could soon have to go through X-Factor-style auditions in order to perform on the streets of Ennis. Ennis Town Council will today discuss a proposal to introduce new on-street entertainment byelaws.
In a notice of motion, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) is calling on Ennis Town Council to “draw up street entertainment bye-laws to deal with busking and the provision of small street public performance spaces (spotaí ceol) to enable performers book a targeted time”.
Cllr Flynn says similar byelaws have been introduced to much success in several other towns around Ireland.
He explains. “It’s about bringing opportunities to quality young performers and to people who have busked in certain locations in town. It’s to try and enhance the experience on the streets, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm on. It would provide opportunities for local groups to perform in areas like the Temple Gate or up in the Square, or in Abbey Street.
“There are one or two corners that could be developed to suit bands playing from around 4pm to 7pm on Saturday afternoons. It’s trying to bring a bit of music and culture to the streets of Ennis, a bit like there is in Galway.”
Cllr Flynn says the byelaws would be aimed at improving the on-street experience of customers and businesses alike.
He says the byelaws could include a requirement for buskers to audition in order to a secure a designated performance space.
He explains. “You can see the huge improvements that are happening in coach parking where we are trying to make the town a more go-to place for coach tours. It’s taken a number of years to get agreement and provide facilities. Once you provide facilities, you have to manage them.
“Likewise, if you make the streets of Ennis more open and available for street performers, you have to manage them in a way to ensure there is high-quality busking. Some businesses might not want buskers outside their premises, blaring music all the time. You would have to manage that and see how different towns and cities manage them.”
Cllr Flynn continues, “You could have an X-Factor-style audition process for busking in Ennis. You can’t very well have somebody pelting away poor quality music and driving people off the streets. It’s to improve the experience in and around the street of Ennis, both for businesses and the customers coming.
“It would give an opportunity for prime busking locations or prime performance spaces for young as well as experienced performers.”