Aslan star Billy McGuinness has called for Government action over “rip-off” overpriced hotels in Dublin when thousands flock to gigs at Croke Park or the 3Arena.
he music industry is grappling with fans cancelling tickets to gigs as hotels are full with Ukrainian refugees and the price of a room has spiralled.
Mr McGuinness said he has “no problem” with refugees being housed in hotels, but said the Government needs to act to put in place similar legislation to ticket touting, but for sky-high hotel room prices. “When Bruce Springsteen was on, two guys from Limerick were quoted astronomical prices, around €500 for a room in Dublin. They went to the same gig in Rome – tickets for the gig and flights for cheaper than what they could get in Dublin,” he said.
“It’s rip-off Ireland.”
Aslan wrote a letter to Culture Minister Catherine Martin, asking for action over expensive hotel rooms. In response, an official from the department told the band the Government has no say in “commercial decisions” hotels make.
“Businesses are also facing significant cost pressures due to inflation and other economic factors,” the official wrote.
Matt McGranaghan of the Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland (MEAI) said it is “wrong” refugees are being “scapegoated” for expensive hotel rooms.
“The Government have failed to provide long-term solutions to help refugees fleeing a war.
“This had a knock-on effect on ticket sales for many shows across the country and in the worst cases, festivals have been cancelled due to lack of accommodation.”