No ban on amplifiers in new rules for Dublin busking

Amplifiers will not be banned in Dublin city centre if new bylaws on busking get the go ahead.

Instead, Dublin City Councillors agreed to limit noise levels to 80 decibels at a meeting this morning.

The draft rules for street performers include a ban on busking between Fownes Street and East Essex street in Temple Bar.

The proposals now have to be approved by a full Council meeting next month.

Assistant City Manager Brendan Kenny said that excessive noise is the biggest problem.

"There is a case for the City Council to ban amplification totally, there's no doubt about that," he said.

"We're not suggesting that here, we think maybe that's a bit too extreme, but we're setting a limit of 80 decibels.

"Now, again, that'll be difficult to enforce, but based on complaints from businesses and workers and the general public, we will use that as a clear guide that if sound levels are consistently above 80 decibels, we will revoke that permit."