A proposal to outlaw busking in Dublin's tourist hub has been thrown out by Dublin City Councillors; however a 'permit' system is being investigated.
A legion of buskers outside of Dublin Castle seem to have had their voices heard after proposals to ban busking in Temple Bar were rejected by the City Council. Dublin's cultural district often has several buskers operating simultaneously, providing the area with its own bespoke soundtrack and is considered by many to be central to the unique atmosphere in the area.
However, several other by-laws are currently being investigated and might be introduced next year. These include a €30 annual license to allow outdoor performance in Dublin city, with an additional €30 on top of that for anyone using an amplifier.
A curfew of 11pm might also be introduced, except on Saturday and Sunday's when the time limit will be 1am and buskers refusing to comply with these rules will be eligible for a €1,500 fine - a point which many of those who operate on Dublin's streets find to unfar.
"We have two really big problems", said Bar Clara Mendez as quoted by the Independent. "The first is that ban on musicians in Temple Bar. The second is the idea that each busker can only play in one spot for two hours."
Tony Floyd, a busker, was also against the proposed license fee.
"I think it's too much for some people", he said. "I'm here in favour of creativity and music."
