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Irish Independent
09-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Revealed: How much we spend on concerts each year and the time we dedicate each day to listening to music
Almost half find accommodation costs prohibitive, while travel difficulties, accessibility, and obligations like childcare also present issues, new research from the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has found. The average adult spends almost €1,000 a year on music-related products and services. The annual spend on tickets for gigs amounts to €757, while Irish adults also spend around €172 on average for music streaming each year. Most people listen to 84 minutes of music each day, while 43pc of the population listens to just 26 minutes. Almost 30pc of people listen to more than two hours of music each day, with those 'high listeners' spending an average of €219 on music streaming services each year. Over half of the population subscribes to services such as Spotify, YouTube Music, or Amazon Music to amount to an annual spend of €375m, with Spotify holding the largest market share. Artists have raised concerns about the 'uneven distribution of revenue in streaming – where artists and songwriters receive a disproportionately low share' and the organisation has called on the Government to 'better nurture' the industry. The 2025 IMRO Ireland Music Report found just 43pc of those working in the music sector hold full-time positions, with 68pc of members supplementing their income through jobs outside the industry. The report notes that while the music industry generates €1bn annually, many Irish artists struggle to make a living as their annual income is almost 40pc lower than the national average. While the average annual income for all sectors is €46,567, those working in the arts, entertainment, and other service activities earn an average of €28,123. Half of IMRO members saw no change in their income over the last year and 29pc experienced a decline, with 45pc feeling financial pressure. One sector leader, who is quoted in the report, said: 'If you compare it to the independent Irish film industry, that has seen a really good growth trajectory... there's been a lot of investment in Screen Ireland. But the music industry is definitely struggling.' The report, which was compiled by Core Research, calls on the Government to implement a number of measures to better support the industry. It calls for the Basic Income for the Arts scheme to be put on 'permanent footing', the application of financial strategies that would strengthen the sector and the implementation AI legislation and regulations. Labour TD Alan Kelly, the chair of the Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, said the report demonstrates 'Irish people's passion for music' but also serves as 'a timely reminder that passion alone cannot sustain a career in music'. 'Too many of our artists and songwriters are grappling with financial insecurity, exacerbated by the unfair distribution of streaming revenues and the growing challenges posed by AI. Government must take these findings seriously.'
BreakingNews.ie
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish adults spend over €750 per year on music events, research shows
Irish adults spend €757 per year on music events, according to a music report compiled by CORE Research. Consumer spending on streaming services reached €375 million in 2024, as over half of adults subscribe to services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. Advertisement Live events dominate consumer expenditure, generating €786 million annually. The report also showed that Ireland's music industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, generating €1 billion annually and employing over 13,400 people. Despite significant consumer spending, many Irish artists struggle to make a living, as the annual income for full-time music professionals is almost 40 per cent lower than the national average. The report showed that better financial supports, international marketing, and robust protections for music creators - including fair remuneration and safeguards against the misuse of AI - are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Irish music industry. Advertisement The research findings were launched by Alan Kelly TD, Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts and Media. Gig goers On average, Irish adults spent €757 on music events last year, with concerts in high-capacity venues accounting for the largest share at €298. This was closely followed by music festivals, which drew an average spend of €194. The research revealed that dedicated music fans attended more live events than the general public, showcasing their deeper engagement with live music. Advertisement Whether at small gigs or large festivals, dedicated fans' higher levels of attendance and spending make them a critical contributor to the Irish music scene. While there is significant spending on music events, many members of the public are feeling the pinch. Two thirds (66 per cent) of adults flagged the cost of tickets as the main barrier to attending gigs. Almost half (49 per cent) also highlighted accommodation costs as an issue to going to music events. Commenting at the launch, Alan Kelly TD, said: 'The findings of the Ireland: Music Report 2025 highlight the extraordinary cultural and economic value of music in Ireland. Generating over €1 billion annually and supporting more than 13,400 jobs, the music sector is not only a key driver of our creative economy, but a fundamental part of our national identity. Advertisement "Irish people's passion for music - reflected in the remarkable levels of spending on live events and streaming - demonstrates the deep, enduring bond between our citizens and the artists who inspire them. 'But this report also serves as a timely reminder that passion alone cannot sustain a career in music. Too many of our artists and songwriters are grappling with financial insecurity, exacerbated by the unfair distribution of streaming revenues and the growing challenges posed by AI. "Government must take these findings seriously. From making the Basic Income for the Arts permanent to ensuring fair AI regulation, we have a clear responsibility to support the people behind Ireland's musical success story.'
Irish Examiner
07-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Senior garda used official channel to import gun parts for private club
A senior garda arranged for the importation of firearm parts in an official capacity — but, in fact, he did so on behalf of a private club, the Irish Examiner has learned. The operation to import the parts involved obtaining authorisation from the justice minister of the day on the basis that it was for garda business. The cost of the parts and their insertion into firearms was borne by An Garda Síochána. Importation occurred in 2018 After the firearms were fully repaired, they were brought back to the gun club, located in the east of the country. The senior garda involved does not have any official standing within the gun club. According to an internal garda report, he claimed he was conducting official business by sourcing the firearm parts for training purposes. However, the report determined no weapon of the make and design of the ones at issue are used by An Garda Síochána. Protected disclosure The affair occurred in 2018 and only came to light after a junior garda revealed it as part of a protected disclosure. It was then investigated by a chief superintendent and the main thrust of what the junior garda alleged was found to be factually based. Importing the firearms parts required authorisation from the then justice minister. Importation of such parts is strictly controlled and individual authorisation is always required. The justice minister of the day and officials in the department would take any such request from An Garda Síochána on trust, as they would be highly unlikely to be familiar with the details of the firearm parts being requested. The senior officer became aware the gun club had a problem with a number of firearms. Initial attempts to have them repaired with a firearm dealer were unsuccessful, and the dealer informed the club that the parts were not available in the country. Firearms in boot of garda's private car The internal investigation heard in evidence that the senior garda arrived at Garda HQ from the private gun club with the firearms in the boot of his private car. The investigation found such transport of guns could be permitted under the 1925 Firearms Act if it was for training, as the officer alleged. The investigation also found a notable conflict in the evidence given by the civilians from the gun club and the firearms dealer on one side, and at least two of the gardaí interviewed. There was no recommendation for disciplinary action or to investigate a possible criminal offence in the internal report. Minister learned of issue three months after report The report was completed and circulated within An Garda Síochána in November 2024. In February this year, in response to a parliamentary question from Labour TD Alan Kelly, the minister for justice said he had not been informed about this case under legislation that obliges the commissioner to make contact with the minister on a matter of serious importance. Mr Kelly told the Irish Examiner he is astounded that this matter has not been fully investigated. 'How was this allowed to happen and how has no one been held to account for potential criminal matters?' he said. 'This is an extremely serious matter that the current minister for justice needs to deal with immediately.' The garda press office was contacted for comment. Read More Mick Clifford: This new episode will further shake public trust in An Garda Síochána
Web Release
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Web Release
Sanad, GE Aerospace, and Safran Aircraft Engines expand partnership to launch full CFM LEAP engine overhaul and test capabilities in Abu Dhabi
Sanad, a global leader in aerospace engineering and leasing solutions wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), today announced an expansion of its existing offload agreement with GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider for CFM International LEAP engines. As such, this marks a major milestone in Sanad's growth as a full-capability service provider, strengthening its global presence and reinforcing its growing influence as a trusted partner of the global aerospace industry. Since 2023, Sanad has been performing maintenance visits for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines with over 35 shop visits already completed. The company is also on track to achieve full in-house testing capabilities for both engine variants by the fourth quarter of 2025, a key milestone that will enable Sanad to conduct comprehensive overhauls, validate engine performance, and deliver faster, more streamlined services. Under the new agreement, Sanad will expand its services to include full overhaul capabilities for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, further enhancing its end-to-end MRO offering for the LEAP platform. This expansion comes at a time of significant growth in the narrow-body aircraft segment, which is expected to represent over 75% of the future global commercial fleet. The LEAP engine powers two of the most in-demand aircraft in this category: the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo families. Sanad's enhanced LEAP engine capabilities will provide comprehensive lifecycle support for this rapidly expanding engine fleet. With overhaul, repair, and testing services delivered from its advanced facilities in Abu Dhabi, Sanad is positioned to meet the evolving needs of global airlines, supporting engine availability, optimizing turnaround times, and reinforcing the UAE's leadership in high-value aerospace services. 'This milestone reflects Sanad's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, technical expertise and outstanding service excellence,' said Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad. 'Our expanded collaboration with GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines strengthens our long-standing partnership while advancing the UAE's ambition to be a global center for aerospace technology and industrial advancement.' 'Sanad is demonstrating its ability to deliver world-class MRO services,' said Alan Kelly, General Manager of CFM LEAP Engine Services at GE Aerospace. 'Not only will Middle Eastern carriers benefit from local capability, but the broader MRO ecosystem will also benefit from the additional capacity.' 'Sanad's work addresses rising demand for LEAP-powered aircraft and associated engine maintenance,' said Nicolas Potier, Vice President of Support & Services for Safran Aircraft Engines. 'This collaboration shows how the MRO ecosystem for LEAP engines continues to growth and mature.' To support this expansion, Sanad will invest in infrastructure, new tooling, equipment, and operational capabilities. These enhancements will be implemented within Sanad's existing MRO and test cell facilities in Abu Dhabi and are expected to create 140 new jobs, with a strong focus on Emiratization and national workforce development in line with the company's long-term goals. By 2027, Sanad will be fully equipped to perform complete overhaul and testing services for all LEAP engine offloads under this agreement, further solidifying its role as a trusted MRO partner for the global aviation industry and contributing to the UAE's broader ambitions for industrial growth and global aerospace leadership. *CFM and LEAP are trademarks of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
Al Etihad
02-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Sanad, GE Aerospace, and Safran Aircraft Engines expand partnership to launch full CFM LEAP engine overhaul and test capabilities in Abu Dhabi
2 July 2025 20:40 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Sanad, a global leader in aerospace engineering and leasing solutions wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), today announced an expansion of its existing offload agreement with GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider for CFM International LEAP engines. As such, this marks a major milestone in Sanad's growth as a full-capability service provider, strengthening its global presence and reinforcing its growing influence as a trusted partner of the global aerospace industry. Since 2023, Sanad has been performing maintenance visits for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines with over 35 shop visits already completed. The company is also on track to achieve full in-house testing capabilities for both engine variants by the fourth quarter of 2025, a key milestone that will enable Sanad to conduct comprehensive overhauls, validate engine performance, and deliver faster, more streamlined services. Under the new agreement, Sanad will expand its services to include full overhaul capabilities for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, further enhancing its end-to-end MRO offering for the LEAP expansion comes at a time of significant growth in the narrow-body aircraft segment, which is expected to represent over 75% of the future global commercial fleet. The LEAP engine powers two of the most in-demand aircraft in this category: the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo families. Sanad's enhanced LEAP engine capabilities will provide comprehensive lifecycle support for this rapidly expanding engine fleet. With overhaul, repair, and testing services delivered from its advanced facilities in Abu Dhabi, Sanad is positioned to meet the evolving needs of global airlines, supporting engine availability, optimizing turnaround times, and reinforcing the UAE's leadership in high-value aerospace services.'This milestone reflects Sanad's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, technical expertise and outstanding service excellence,' said Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad. 'Our expanded collaboration with GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines strengthens our long-standing partnership while advancing the UAE's ambition to be a global center for aerospace technology and industrial advancement.''Sanad is demonstrating its ability to deliver world-class MRO services,' said Alan Kelly, General Manager of CFM LEAP Engine Services at GE Aerospace. 'Not only will Middle Eastern carriers benefit from local capability, but the broader MRO ecosystem will also benefit from the additional capacity.' 'Sanad's work addresses rising demand for LEAP-powered aircraft and associated engine maintenance,' said Nicolas Potier, Vice President of Support & Services for Safran Aircraft Engines. 'This collaboration shows how the MRO ecosystem for LEAP engines continues to growth and mature.' To support this expansion, Sanad will invest in infrastructure, new tooling, equipment, and operational capabilities. These enhancements will be implemented within Sanad's existing MRO and test cell facilities in Abu Dhabi and are expected to create 140 new jobs, with a strong focus on Emiratization and national workforce development in line with the company's long-term goals. By 2027, Sanad will be fully equipped to perform complete overhaul and testing services for all LEAP engine offloads under this agreement, further solidifying its role as a trusted MRO partner for the global aviation industry and contributing to the UAE's broader ambitions for industrial growth and global aerospace leadership.
