Clampdown proposed for noisy buskers in Dublin

Buskers in breach of rules could face hefty fines

Buskers playing loud music on Dublin streets could be arrested under revised by-laws proposed by Dublin City Council.
Councillors are considering a revision of the recent Control of Street Performers by-law after police complained their powers in the original legislation were not sufficiently clear.
The proposed changes would ensure buskers used a single 15-watt amplifier, and ban them from producing noise "so loud, so continuous, so repeated" as to constitute an annoyance.

Street performers found in breach of the regulations could be ordered by police to desist immediately, and failure to comply would lead to a court appearance or a fine of up to €1,900. Police would also have the power to “confiscate any equipment employed in the committing of the offence.” The current by-law features a curfew banning buskers from playing before 09.00 and after 23.00. However buskers on Grafton St and in Temple Bar are permitted to perform up to 03.00 on Saturday and Sunday mornings only.

Dublin is well-known for its buskers and over the years many have gone on to achieve international fame, as immortalised in John Carney's 2006 Oscar-winning film Once.