28/05/2026
PUBLIC STATEMENT BY KILLIAN ALLEN
Blackrock is losing part of its character, identity, and tradition, and many local people are now afraid to say it publicly.
I was born and raised in Blackrock. I am a first-generation showman myself, but my partner’s family has been involved in the traditional Irish fairground industry for four generations. My eldest son’s family connections to Blackrock fairs and amusements go back over 120 years, with records and history connected to the beach and traditional seaside entertainment in the area.
For generations, seaside towns such as Blackrock were places where families gathered for entertainment, amusements, music, ice cream vans, fairs, community events, and summer traditions. That was part of the identity and culture of the town.
Traditional amusements and family entertainment are not just businesses. They are part of the social history, tourism, heritage, and character of seaside communities throughout Ireland.
Over recent years, however, it feels like Blackrock is slowly losing that character.
Everything now seems to be treated as a problem:
* campers;
* ice cream vans;
* funfairs;
* music;
* seasonal entertainment;
* and family attractions.
Instead of supporting responsible local operators and preserving the atmosphere of a traditional Irish seaside town, it increasingly feels as though restrictions, bureaucracy, and complaints are taking priority over community life, tourism, and local tradition.
Blackrock is a seaside town. It is meant to have life, activity, entertainment, and family attractions during the summer months. That is what brings visitors, supports local cafés, restaurants, pubs, shops, and creates an atmosphere for families and tourists alike.
No one is asking for disorder or disruption. Local operators and local families understand the need for:
* safety;
* traffic management;
* responsible operation;
* cooperation with residents;
* and respect for local businesses.
That is why I listened to concerns raised last year and voluntarily reduced and scaled back my operations this year to minimise disruption and parking pressure.
I tried to cooperate.
I tried to compromise.
I tried to work with everyone.
Yet despite that, I now find myself excluded from events and facing ongoing disputes in my own hometown while I continue to be welcomed and supported in towns and communities across Ireland.
I believe people are entitled to ask serious questions regarding:
* transparency in local authority decision-making;
* procurement and tendering procedures;
* equality of treatment;
* local consultation;
* and whether local businesses and traditions are being properly represented and protected.
Under Irish public law and public procurement principles, public authorities are expected to act with:
* transparency;
* accountability;
* equal treatment;
* proportionality;
* and fair procedures.
The public is entitled to know:
* who made decisions;
* how operators were selected;
* whether proper consultation occurred;
* whether local businesses were consulted regarding parking and barriers during busy weekends;
* and whether all operators were held to the same regulatory and tax compliance standards.
I also believe money and public resources should be prioritised toward improving infrastructure, roads, parking facilities, and community investment rather than unnecessary disputes and restrictions that divide the town.
This issue is bigger than one event or one operator.
It is about:
* protecting local heritage;
* supporting local families;
* preserving the identity of Blackrock;
* and ensuring ordinary people have a voice against unnecessary bureaucracy and poor decision-making.
Communities deserve strong local representation willing to stand up for ordinary men and women, small businesses, local heritage, and the future character of towns like Blackrock.
I do not seek conflict with anyone.
I simply believe Blackrock deserves fairness, transparency, common sense, and respect for its traditions and local people.
Killian Allen
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https://c.org/wH4ZpGwRFW
