Comhaltas Responds Over Belfast Fleadh Parade Decision

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has confirmed that questions raised by Marching Bands Ireland about the decision not to hold an official All-Ireland Fleadh marching band parade in Belfast will be discussed by its relevant committee.

The response follows the publication of a Freedom of Information response from Belfast City Council which confirmed that the Council holds no records explaining the decision not to hold the parade.

Questions put to Comhaltas

Marching Bands Ireland contacted Comhaltas seeking clarification on the decision and the planning referred to in a statement issued by the Fleadh Team in July.

In that statement, issued from the official Belfast City Council Fleadh email address, organisers said:

“This decision was taken following detailed operational planning and consideration of a range of factors associated with delivering an event of the scale and complexity of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.”

However, Belfast City Council subsequently confirmed through an FOI response that it holds no records of the decision, correspondence with other agencies concerning the proposed parade, meeting minutes, risk assessments or documentation explaining why the parade was not held.

Comhaltas has now acknowledged the questions raised by Marching Bands Ireland.

In a brief response, Brendan McAleer, Chief Executive of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said:

“Thank you for your email, your questions will be discussed by the relevant committee in due course.”

No further explanation has been provided at this stage.

Further clarification awaited

Comhaltas’ response does not provide an explanation for why the official parade was not held, nor does it clarify which organisation ultimately made the decision.

It does, however, confirm that the questions raised have been referred to the relevant committee for consideration.

The response follows questions over the apparent lack of records held by Belfast City Council despite the July statement referring to detailed operational planning.

It remains unclear what planning took place, which organisations were involved in the decision and where any records relating to that process are held.

Marching Bands Ireland will report any further response from Comhaltas once the matter has been considered by the relevant committee.