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Dublin City Council has banned buskers from performing on the streets this December to comply with Covid-19 public health guidelines, a councilor said.
Street performers often draw crowds of spectators, especially during the Christmas period when some high-profile musicians perform to raise money for charities.
Under current Level 3 meeting restrictions, up to six people from a maximum of two households can gather outside while maintaining physical distancing and organized gatherings, such as training events or arts events, of up to 15 people can take place in a outdoor environment.
In a letter to street performers, dated November 27, Dublin City Council said: “Unfortunately, due to public health reasons, Dublin City Council cannot lift the temporary suspension of its permit for street performers until further notice. … stay safe and well and we look forward to welcoming you back to the streets of Dublin in the not too distant future. ”
Donna Cooney, secretary of the Green Party, presented an emergency motion at the monthly council meeting Monday night, which was taken without debate.
He called on the local authority to find a “creative solution” that would allow artists to earn income and reach an audience this Christmas, while remaining in compliance with public health guidelines.
“Whether it’s doing a professional recording, making some videos … There are speakers on Grafton Street who are going to play music, so they may not have a street performance, but at least they have an audience and they put out their music there, ”he said.
“Maybe we could do things on social media, the main media. Bono and people like them usually go out and play on Christmas Eve, so maybe this is a time when our established artists and bands can help those who are just starting out and still make a living playing the streets. ” .
Road to success
Cllr Cooney said he believes street performers have been “overlooked” in relation to supporting the arts sector during the pandemic.
“They are probably the most needy. It is very difficult to prove your income when you are a street artist. For some people it is their income and for others it is a path for them … Many bands that are quite successful now started on the streets, ”he said.
Meanwhile, last week, Henry Street vendors were given the go-ahead to set up a limited number of stalls in the run-up to Christmas, after three weeks of talks between representatives and the council.
The council said there were plans for 25 positions this year, with 15 planned for Henry Street and 10 located on O’Connell Street. There are normally about 40 stalls on Henry Street each year.
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