Last June, Rodrigo Y Gabriella came to Dublin to play a show in the National Concert Hall. That afternoon, passers-by on Grafton Street were treated to an impromptu busking session as the Mexican duo entertained the crowd to raise money for their friends at Eden Farm Animal Sanctuary.
Dubliners know well, particularly around Christmas time, to keep an ear out around the city, as Irish stars such as Bono, Glen Hansard, Lisa Hannigan, Sinéad O'Connor and Liam Ó Maonlaí have been known to busk for charity. Visitors look forward to experiencing the creativity, musicality and vibrancy that Dublin's street performers are famous for colouring the cityscape with.
If the new 'control of street performers' draft bylaws proposed by Dublin City Council come to fruition, anyone, even Bono, caught busking without a permit will have to pay a €1500 fine.
Will we enjoy the silence?
Initially, busking was to be banned from Temple Bar entirely but this has since been rescinded. A total ban in front of the GPO on O'Connell Street and time restrictions, for both the amount of time performers can stay in one spot and how often, and during which hours, have also been suggested. The annual permit suggested would cost €30 with an additional €60 permit required for amplification.
The public consultation process is ongoing. You can contact your local councillor to voice any concerns or objections you may have. The final draft of the bylaws will be approved in early 2015. You can view the draft proposals here.
Will we enjoy the silence?
anyone, even Bono, caught busking without a permit will have to pay a €1500 fine.
