Council Clamps Down On Oxegen

Councillors have clamped down on the Oxegen organisers, imposing 56 extra guidelines following reports of slack security during last year’s event.

Kildare County Council has laid down the strict guidelines after accusations over a lack of security and occurrences of unprovoked attacks last year, with revellers claiming their tents were slashed and burnt and that many personal items had been stolen.

There were also claims that cars located near secure areas were ransacked and damaged by screwdriver marks, and their windows broken.

There are a total of 210 garda officers and 2,000 security personnel who will be on duty across the weekend at the concert to oversee the 85,000 people expected to attend the event.

During the 2007 festivities, gardaí arrested 45 people at the Punchestown festival for public order offences, while one person was arrested for assault.

There were also 300 drug seizures resulting in 17 people being detained.

Tickets for this year's event have sold slower than previous years, mirroring the Glastonbury experience, despite a well received line up. The economic turbulence is thought to have affected sales as the €224.50 price tag stretches out of some music lovers reach.

(DW)