City Council bans buskers for Christmas

Dublin City Council has banned buskers from performing on the streets this month due to Covid restrictions.

In a letter sent to street performers at the end of last month Dublin City Council said:

“Unfortunately due to public health reasons Dublin City Council cannot lift the temporary suspension of your street performers permit until further notice.

“Stay safe and stay well and we hope to welcome you back to the streets of Dublin in the not too distant future.”

In response to the council’s decision, Green Party Councillor Donna Cooney brought an emergency motion to the monthly council meeting last night.

“On Grafton Street piped music is being played,” Cllr Cooney said.

“I’d like to propose DCC find a way to enable street performers to make an income and reach an audience this Christmas.”

“We could maybe do things on social media, mainstream media.

“Bono and the likes of them usually get out and play on Christmas eve so maybe this is a time that our established performing artists and bands can help out those that are only starting off and still making their living by playing on the streets.”

Councillor Cooney’s Emergency Motion was passed without debate.

“I was calling on local authority to come up with “creative solutions” that allowed performers to make an income & reach an audience this Christmas, while still abiding by public health guidelines,” she Tweeted following last nights council meeting.