Dublin City Buskers

Lobbying Organisation Dublin City Buskers

Date published 24 Jun, 2016

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Arts

Period 1 May, 2016 to 31 Aug, 2016

Specific Details Street Performance Bye Laws 2015-Review by Dublin City Councils, Arts Culture and Recreation SPC

Intended results In respect of item number 2(a), ‘Revised Draft of the Street Performance Bye-Laws 2016’ (the “Bye-Laws”) as at June 21, 2016, Dublin City Buskers (“DCB”) remark the following: • DCB welcomes the conciliatory initiative for Temple Bar proposed by Dublin City Council whereby limited 'acoustic' performances are permitted in the extended prohibited zone marked along Fleet Street to Temple Lane South. The interests of residents seeking removal of amplified performance in the proximity of their homes have been accommodated while simultaneously preserving the tradition of street performance, in a limited form in the area. It is regrettable that Temple Bar Residents were not more engaged in the forum on street performance coordinated by Dublin City Council (the “Forum”), and it is hoped that this initiative will be welcomed as satisfactory bearing in mind the significant deprival amounting to an amplifier ban in Temple Bar leaving ‘Temple Bar Square’ as the only area where amplifiers are permitted. • Notwithstanding the above, DCB wishes to express dissatisfaction that this initiative was not extended to all prohibited areas as described in the Bye-Laws, including the GPO, in line with Forum discussions. • It remains the position of DCB that a EUR10 renewal fee for existing permit-holders and permit-holders renewing in the future should be reflected in the Bye-Laws and respectfully ask you to fully support a motion to reform the current permitting system. • DCB welcomes the initiative for one-hour performance times beginning and ending on the hour mark; however, it is regrettable that this initiative was not applied beyond Grafton Street and across the city in order to reduce repetition and increase variety and clarity with respect to the operation of the system. • Aiming to reduce repetition and improve quality standards, DCB supports a minimum repertoire of 60 minutes for permit holders instead of 30 minutes recommended by DCC • DCB is not in support of a complete ban on backing tracks, preferring assessment based on quality and necessity. • DCB recognises that the Bye-Laws lack definitions for “generator” and “large band”, and highlight risk of expansive interpretation and/or onerous application of the Bye-Laws. • Similarly, DCB is concerned that the 'one-strike' rule for probationary permits are somewhat onerous for new and/or young performers, and believe that the proposed ‘three strike rule’, should apply here also. DCB would like to thank Dublin City Council for the kind facilitation of the Bye-Laws in advance of the June 21, Arts Culture and Recreation Strategic Policy Committee meeting, and for coordinating the Street Performance Forum. We hope further progressive steps for street performance in Dublin can be achieved transparently and in the spirit of cooperation. Beannachtaí, Le meas, Na Stiúrthóirí ó Dublin City Buskers.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Roibeard O'Cadhain

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (1)

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Mary Freehill Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Rebecca Moynihan Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Aine Clancy Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Vincent Jackson Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Damian O'Farrell Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Gary Gannon Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Claire Byrne Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Emma Murphy Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Seamus McGrattan Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Greg Kelly Councillor (Dublin City Council)

John Lyons Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Brendan Kenny Director of Services or Equivalent (Dublin City Council)