Minister Burke Investigates Support After Tickets.ie Collapse, Festivals Lose €135,000
Enterprise Minister Peter Burke is investigating government support after Tickets.ie, Ireland’s largest independent ticketing company, ceased trading. The collapse has left festivals facing significant losses, including one music festival losing €135,000 and the Rory Gallagher Festival potentially €283,000. Burke acknowledged regulatory gaps and the impact on communities.
Enterprise Minister Peter Burke has asked his department to investigate government support options following the collapse of Tickets.ie, Ireland’s largest independent ticketing company, founded in 2004. The company, which handled ticketing for thousands of events annually, ceased trading in early June, with directors moving towards liquidation.
The collapse has significantly impacted festivals, with one music festival losing €135,000. Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty highlighted the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival faces a potential €283,000 loss. TD Ken O’Flynn also raised concerns about the distress caused to communities and volunteer organizations.
Burke acknowledged a potential «gap in the regulatory environment» regarding client monies held by ticketing agencies, stating it concerns him. He noted the liquidation process and ongoing High Court challenge, promising to investigate what support can be provided without making false promises. He emphasized the importance of affected festivals to local economies.