The body behind a high profile event aimed at discussing the possibility of a united Ireland called "Together We Can" has been accused of trying to pull a "fast one" for free advertising.
Ireland's Future sought to avail of a Dublin City Council scheme that allows non-commercial political events to put up posters on lampposts and walls owned by the local authority free of charge. The scheme is typically used by small local groups advertising meetings on local issues.
After the enquiries about using the scheme were made with the Environment Committee, Dublin City Council Officials were asked whether the Ireland's Future event which is set to be held on Saturday in the 3Area. Tickets to the event cost €7 which will feature high profile figures Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald, Fianna Fail TD Jim O'Callaghan, actors Colm Meany and Jimmy Nesbitt as well as artist Denise Chaila.
Read more: Budget calculator 2023: How income tax changes will affect you
The DCC Official clarified that under the sub-Committee's protocol the event was deemed "commercial" due to the charge for tickets. He said: "The agreed protocol clearly states: 'Please note that Posters/Notices promoting commercial events are prohibited.'
Ireland's Future said in their enquiry that they are not commercial and a non-profit organisation and added that the €7 charge was to cover costs. However, the Official said the agreed protocol "does not make a distinction as to whether the entity hosting the event is commercial or non commercial nor distinguish between the merits nor the profile of the event."
"As there is a commercial transaction i.e. a charge of €7 for admittance then this poster falls under the definition of a commercial event and a poster could not [be] allowed."
Independent Councillor Mannix Flynn said: "They were trying to pull a fast one.... Basically, every single protocol in the book was being undermined here.
"It is really clear in relation to the democratic issues around posters that are exempt for political meetings and also for local area meetings and for citizens to be able to advertise without having to forfeit a load of money to the City Council. It is a sacred space.
He added: "So, for a group of individuals to promote an event about Ireland's future while at the same time undermining the protocol and then arguing that because it was a political gathering and therefore exempt from any advertising fees to anybody and we would bend the law for them is completely and absolutely hair brained.
"These people went out and hired the 3Arena. The 3Arena is a super venue which costs huge amounts of money and I can guarantee you the 3Arena was not going to forfeit their profit. It is a profit organisation."
Ireland's Future did not respond to a request for comment from Dublin Live.
Read next:
Cost of living protest: Thousands demand more from Government as people struggle
Chicken breasts among food you need to bin as supermarkets issue urgent recall
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
