The Vantastival music and camper van festival takes place in Bellurgan Park next weekend and while an influx of music fans might be welcomed by the town’s business community, Louth County Council appeared to have a bit more of a problem with it.
Over a year ago, the local authority had ruled that the festival constituted development and therefore required full planning permission in order to proceed at Bellurgan Park. Vantastival appealed this to An Bord Pleanála, who have ruled in favour of the festival.
Basically, the council felt that as the festival was marketed nationally, it could not be considered local and therefore did not qualify to be held under current planning laws.
However, Vantastival organisers successfully argued that all events advertised on the web could be deemed as marketed to a national and global audience and An Bord Pleanála upheld their view.
The council’s original decision, especially in the year of The Gathering, is puzzling and yet again throws up concerns over the actions of the planning department after a number of question decisions regarding high-profile developments in recent years.
The festival, which will be held over the May Bank Holiday weekend, will feature the likes of Damien Dempsey, And So I Watch You From Afar, Jerry Fish, Altan, RSAG, Mark Geary, Nanu Nanu and many more.
A three day camping ticket is €89 with day tickets €40.
Source: Vantastival vs Louth County Council (The Irish Times)
Talk of the Town 