More than 50 arrested at Marlay Park concerts

More than 50 revellers were arrested for minor drug and public order offencesat three Dublin concerts at the weekend.

Gardaí have said there were no serious issues at the open-air events atDublin’s Marlay Park.

A large security presence was put in place amid fears younger fans of DJ DavidGuetta could cause trouble similar to that at a Swedish House Mafia concert lastmonth.

About 175 gardaí were deployed in and around the Rathfarnham area for Fridaynight’s dance gig headlined by Guetta and popular with younger revellers, mostly in the 17-25 age group.

Gardaí said 35 people were arrested.

A Garda spokesman said close co-operation with promoters MCD and council chiefs ensured that concertgoers had a safe and enjoyable experience.

“We wish to acknowledge the co-operation and good behaviour of the patrons ofthe three concerts which went off without any serious issues,” he said. “We also wish to acknowledge the co-operation of the local community around Marlay Park.”

Fewer than 20 people were arrested at the first concert — where Kasabian headlined on Thursday after Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds — including one man being treated for head injuries.

There were no arrests on Saturday night at the final of the three gigs, with Tom Jones and Van Morrison headlining.

The tightened security was introduced to prevent a repeat of the scenes at theSwedish House Mafia gig in Phoenix Park in July where nine people werestabbed and two died from suspected drug overdoses after attending the concert.

The incidents sparked massive outcry and debate over the organisation andpolicing operation of similar events.