Eminem's backers give €40k to Slane village

THE promoters behind Eminem are gifting €40,000 to the village of Slane, Meath.
MCD has agreed to contribute €10,000 to the Slane community directly.
And the firm will provide a further €30,000 to establish a permanent premises for Slane Youth Cafe.
Community members said that they have been in close contact with CEO of MCD Denis Desmond -- who has allayed security concerns ahead of next weekend.
"Following a series of positive discussions, we are delighted to announce a contribution from MCD to our community of €10k and a further commitment of €30k to fund refurbishment of more suitable premises for Slane Youth Cafe," Pat Doyle, chairperson of Slane Community Forum said.
"Mr Desmond also took on board our community's concerns in relation to security, access for residents to their property on concert day, lack of communication to residents, insufficient number of toilets provided and the clean-up operation."
Mr Doyle said that MCD has provided a comprehensive information leaflet distributed to residents' homes prior to the Eminem concert.
Gardai have also been involved with aiding security concerns.
Mr Doyle added that the funding from MCD was a hugely welcome commitment to the area.
"Key to discussions between Slane Community Forum and MCD has been the concert promoter's contribution of €10,000 per concert to Meath County Council which is sought by the council as part of the licence requirement.
"This money is over and above all other expenses related to the concert operation and we have been advised that it is ring-fenced for use in Slane.
"Slane Community Forum contends that these funds are presently being used for activities which should be provided to the village as a matter of course by Meath County Council.
"The Forum has contacted Meath County Council with a view to having these funds released for direct use for community projects and we plan to pursue these discussions in the near future."