Not content with watching the weird and the wonderful audition for this year’s X Factor, Louis Walsh is holding open auditions in Dublin later this month for a new girl group.

He’s entering this new venture with Westlife’s Kian Egan (does that make them the Batman and Robin of pop?) and the pair will co-manage the new group.

The auditions will take place in The Pod on Dublin’s Harcourt Street on Friday 25 July and Saturday 26 July from midday to 6pm.

Call backs will then be held on Sunday 27 July. All those who audition will be asked to sing a cappella. Auditionees are advised to “know what you are going to sing, learn the lyrics and put some thought into your appearance”.

What isn’t clear from the various news sources we’ve read is if the auditions are limited to Irish singers only (given that the auditions are in Dublin) or if anyone can attend. The target age group for the new group is 15 – 25.