DEMANDS for new legislation on safety at rock concerts have been made following the death of a Co Cork teenager, Bernadette O'Brien, at the Point Theatre on Saturday night. Changes were necessary, according to the Chief Fire Officers' Association, to prevent a similar tragedy.
The National Parents' Council has called for a ban on alcohol sales at concerts which attract a young crowd. The council has also called for a ban on dangerous dance trends, such as "crowd surfing" and "moshing".
"Promoters and venue operators need to give reassurances to parents that proper precautions are being put in place," said Mr Dick Killian, PRO of the National Parents' Council, post primary.
A Garda investigation is being conducted into the death of Ms O'Brien (17), from Shanagarry, near Midleton. She was among the estimated 8,500 people at the concert.
Concert promoters MCD and management at the Point Theatre are also holding investigations. Meetings were held yesterday between investigating gardai, Dublin Corporation's chief fire officer, Mr Tony Gillick, and the concert organisers.
A corporation representative confirmed yesterday that a fire officer inspected the venue before the event and was at the concert.
Promoters MCD said they would not comment on whether people moved into the main hall at the Point from seated areas or on other technical aspects of how the concert was organised until their investigation was completed.
MCD publicist, Mr Justin Green, said the safety of the concert going public had always been their priority. The Smashing Pumpkins concert was arranged in accordance with the Department of Education issued code, of practice. "MCD has been running concerts for 15 years," said Mr Green.
He added that the promoters were devastated at the tragic death of Ms O'Brien.
The parents' council also expressed concerns about the upcoming feile festival. Mr Green said it was too early to tell if the incident would affect the three day festival to be held at the Point in July. He said the same configuration, used for up to 50 shows a year, would be used as for the Smashing Pumpkins concert.
He pointed out that this feile would be different to other years. "There will be no second stages or music during the day. The doors will open an hour before it is due to start.
Garda Supt Bill Donoghue told The Irish Times yesterday all aspects of the tragic incident would he investigated. Arrangements at the Point, including safety and staffing levels, were generally excellent. A number of major concerts have been staged there, and no incident like this has ever happened before. It was a very unfortunate incident caused by a crowd surge.
Security video footage of the concert will also be examined by gardai.
The Fianna Fail deputy, Mr Sean Haughey, said yesterday major pop concerts in indoor venues should have a special individual licence from the district court, irrespective of whether the premises has an annual licence from the courts.
"This is a recommendation from the Hamilton Committee on Public Safety and Crowd Control. It is unfortunate that it has not yet been introduced. Its adoption must now be a priority. It is now clear that the codes of practice are no longer adequate and more stricter laws are required to deal with this situation."
He said problems have occurred at the Point previously, particularly over temperature control, and these should also be investigated by Dublin Corporation.
Stephen McMillan (15), died in hospital last year after taking ecstasy. He had attended a rave at the Point.
A spokesman for the Chief Fire Officers' Association said the regulations covering concerts needed to be tightened. "Anyone can run an indoor concert event they do not need a licence."
He said there was nothing to stop a group from setting up such an event if they were not looking for a drink licence. This was a weakness in the legislation. If the legislation was changed the voluntary code of practice would be given statutory effect.
He added that it was very difficult to control young people at a concert. Promoters should examine the possibility of using a second harrier.