There is big disappointment at the news that Laois County Council has refused to grant Electric Picnic organisers a licence to hold this year’s festival. The music festival was due to go ahead from September 24th – 26th in Stradbally, Co.Laois.

In a statement, the council said it had made the decision due to “the most up-to-date public health advice made available to the Council by the HSE”.

The statement added: “Furthermore it is noted that under current Government measures for the management of Covid-19 events of this nature are restricted of 500 people only.”

The Promoters Festival Republic and MCD had been campaigning strongly for the event to go ahead. On Monday they gave the local authority a list of 12 reasons why they believe permission was merited.

The promoters wanted the festival in Stradbally, Co Laois to be held at a later date from September 24th-26th with enhanced Covid-19 safety measures for 70,000 revellers. Last year the festival was cancelled because of the Covid_19 pandemic.

Organisers had outlined some of the measures they intend to implement this year. They included the pledge that only those who were vaccinated can attend and they would team up with the Department of Health for contact tracing.

Laois County Council had to make a decision on the licence by at least four weeks prior to the event. There has been strong opposition voiced by local councillors to the festival taking place.