IT could be a dry night for patrons attending the forthcoming Riverdance show at the new Sports Complex in Letterkenny, if one local councillor has his way.

Green Party Councillor, Neil Clarke said this week the new ¤18million Sports Complex should be made an alcohol free zone meaning that thousands of people who are due to attend the show won't be able to enjoy a drink before and after the event.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Speaking at Monday night's meeting of the local authority, Councillor Clarke called on the Town Council to impose an alcohol ban in an effort to promote a more healthy lifestyle at the centre.

"If we look at the facts and figures, we can see what drink is doing to society," he told this week's Town Council meeting. I think the new complex is an excellent facility that offers people an alternative and healthy lifestyle. I think we should be encouraging that," he said.

However, his motion has been deferred until a full report on the proposed management of the new centre is brought before members in the coming months.

NOT WORK

Councillor Dessie Larkin warned that a ban on alcohol would not work at the new event centre at the Sallaghagrane complex.

"I think we should do everything in the centre that we can to enhance the sports facilities and show there is an alternative to drink," he said.

"But if we are telling people who plan to come to Riverdance that they aren't going to be allowed a glass of wine before the show, that's the wrong message to send out,"

He pointed to the success of the small bar area at An Grianán Theatre which he said is managed by his brother-in-law.

"There is an hour before and an after each show where you can have a couple of drinks. It works extremely well and I don't think anyone ever abuses it. The event centre will be the same idea and I think it would be very premature of us to rule alcohol out altogether," Councillor Larkin added.