An Irish government committee has heard that the decision to scrap five Garth Brooks shows at Dublin's Croke Park was made by the musician and the event's promoter. Owen Keegan, chief executive of Dublin City Council said that Brooks and Aiken Promotions had to "accept the consequences" for the decision.

Garth BrooksThe Garth Brooks could have made the Dublin local economy £40 million [Getty/Rick Diamond]

On Monday, it was confirmed that five hugely lucrative shows to the local economy would be axed completely after Dublin City Council agreed only to grant licenses for five shows The US country singer had planned to play for 400,000 fans at the sports stadium on consecutive nights from 25-29 July. 

More: Garth Brooks shows officially cancelled

In a statement, Brooks said he had a "broken heart" and that all tickets would be refunded.

Appearing in front of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications.

He said: "I very much regret the decision of Garth Brooks/Aiken Promotions not to hold the three permitted concerts and to examine options proposed by the city council in relation to the two concerts that were not permitted.

"This was their decision and they must accept the consequences."

Garth BrooksIs Garth Brooks to blame for the cancellation [Getty/Rick Diamond]

Mr Keegan suggested that the council was put in a difficult position after tickets were sold for the five concerts in February, saying an application for the license was first submitted by Aiken Promotions on 17 April and that the promoters were warned about the concerns for local residents.

Mr Keegan confirmed that the council was happy to consider proposals for Brooks to play a fourth night or for two extra concerts to go ahead on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, but these were rejected by Brooks.

Mr Keegan added that the council said they would consider proposals to play a fourth night or for the two extra concerts to go ahead as Saturday and Sunday matinees, but these proposals were rejected by Brooks.

It is estimated that cancellation of the concerts could cost the city's businesses up to £40 million in lost trade.

More: Check out our Garth Brooks picture gallery