TCD’s Luke O’Neill says Electric Picnic should go ahead as test event

The immunology professor disagrees with Laois County Council’s decision to cancel the 70,000-attendee music festival, saying it could be held safely as a pilot event

Planning permission for Electric Picnic, with 70,000 attendees expected, was refused last week by Laois County Council. Picture: Ruth Medjber

The government should allow Electric Picnic to go ahead as a pilot event in late September, Luke O’Neill has said.

The Trinity College Dublin immunology professor said Ireland should pursue more ambitious outdoor pilot events, with Electric Picnic facilitated through mandatory vaccine passes and antigen tests.

Planning permission for the music festival, with 70,000 attendees expected, was refused last week by Laois County Council.

In a press statement released last Thursday, the organisers said they ...