Laois councillors say Electric Picnic ‘no longer a family festival’

One Laois councillor argued the festival is ‘deadly dangerous’

Published 29th Sep 2026, 13:00 BST The Main Stage at Electric Picnic 2026. Photo: Leinster Express. One Laois councillor argued the festival is ‘deadly dangerous’ A number of local councillors in Laois have urged for greater safety measures at Electric Picnic, with some saying it is no longer a festival for families.

Speaking at the Laois County Council meeting on Monday, September 28, Cllr Aisling Moran insisted that she is by no means opposed to Electric Picnic, however as a regular attendee she has noticed a decline in safety at the site in Stradbally.

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The Independent Councillor called for Festival Republic to provide details to Laois County Council regarding a number of key elements of the festival, including verified ticket sales, the number of campervans and tents, operational issues relating to toilets and bins, as well as information regarding injuries and drug overdoses.

Additionally, she requested a breakdown of the number of children on the site each day and “an explanation regarding any undocumented attendees present on the festival grounds and proposals to deal with the same in 2027.”

“All these festivals put Laois on the map so it’s not about getting rid of it, it’s about health and safety. You can see steadily year on year that it is becoming more overcrowded and not safe,” Cllr Moran said.

Considering the festival staff, vendors, and children under 12 who are entering the festival for free, Cllr Moran argued “we have no idea the number of people that are in there.”

She referenced the two issues with crowd control during Armand van Helden and Duke Dumont’s performances at this year’s festival.

On the Friday night of the festival, Armand Van Helden was moments away from starting his set on the Smirnoff stage when a decision was made to abandon the performance over crowd concerns.

On Saturday, festivalgoers were sent notifications on the Electric Picnic App advising against attending Duke Dumont’s set in an attempt to stem the flow of people.

When asked about the need for more crowd control at Electric Picnic following the incidents, the festival’s director Melvin Benn said that suggestion was “bonkers.”

In addition to this purported overcrowding, Cllr Moran told the Council that many parents got in touch with her regarding safety for children at the festival which is amplified by poor mobile phone coverage.

“From my own opinion and speaking with people who were there, it’s not a family festival anymore. It’s not safe and it’s not safe for children to be coming in.”

Hedge in Portlaoise Celtic Tiger estate 'destroyed' Cllr Elva Kelly backed this point, adding that she doesn’t believe children under 12 should be allowed in for free anymore.

Cllr Moran also argued that the state of the toilets on the site was “scandalous” and stewards were unable to help people with directions.

“It is deadly dangerous. I just want this to be a safe place for people to go.”

The motion was widely supported by fellow councillors, all of whom agreed that Electric Picnic brings a wealth of benefits to the county and the concerns raised merely relate to improving safety for attendees. Cllr James Kelly emphasised that this is “not a witch hunt.”

Supporting Cllr Moran, Cllr Ben Brennan raised the fact that these issues have been highlighted many times in recent years.

Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, also agreed with the points made.

“I did get a lot of complaints this year above any other year about safety. It’s really serious. We want Electric Picnic in Laois but there are problems we need to address,” the Portlaoise Councillor said.

Laois County Council noted that the matters raised by councillors will be brought to the attention of Festival Republic and considered as part of the Council’s renewal of future licence applications for next year.

The Council added that the information sought by Cllr Moran will be discussed at the festival debrief in October.

“The observations and issues arising from the event are assessed annually by the promoters and relevant agencies, with recommendations informing planning and operational arrangements for the subsequent year,” the Council stated.

“The Council remains committed to ensuring that Electric Picnic is operated in a safe and sustainable manner, balancing the significant economic, social, and cultural benefits of the event and the need to protect public safety, residential amenity and the environment.”