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29th September 2023
10:58am BST

To Whom it May Concern I’m writing to voice my support for the continuation of the Comedy and Music events every summer at Iveagh Gardens. The Comedy Festival has become an important cultural event in Dublin’s calendar now for many years and one which contributes positively to the nighttime economy of the city and its culture. Ireland has a great history of producing some world leading stand-up comedians over the years who also project a positive, funny and likeable image of Ireland across the globe in recent times. Comedy needs breeding grounds and international festivals like the Iveagh Gardens Comedy Festival are just that. Iveagh Gardens fosters new Irish talent alongside emerging and established international talent and has introduced international acts for the first time to Irish audiences for many years now. The key to Iveagh Gardens is the location itself, instead of programming shows in venues scattered across the city, all shows are concentrated in one festival area over a short period of time giving an intense festival experience to its audiences and comedians alike – it is like no other comedy festival in that way. So while this festival helps the night time economy in Dublin which is still in recovery (where it hasn’t closed down altogether) post COVID, it also contributes strongly to the cultural life of the city by promoting Irish comedy and creating a space for international exchanges between Irish comedians and comics from all over the world, some of whom, like Trevor Noah have gone on to become international super stars. I’ve always found this festival to be extremely well run, carefully curated, respectful of its beautiful surroundings and carefully managed by its promoters in terms of audiences both on site and on their way to and from the festival. In my view it would be a major loss to the city of Dublin and to its thriving comedy culture were it to be prevented from continuing at Iveagh Gardens. Regards XXXThe deadline for observations is Friday, 6th Oct. Those wishing to contribute should email eventsiveaghgardens@opw.ie. Header image via Getty / Office of Public Works READ NEXT: - Planning granted for derelict Sandyford building to become apartments - As the colder months creep in, many of us are prepared to risk frostbite for an iced latte