Council considers restrictions on Dublin marches
07/03/2006 - 07:57:33Dublin City Council is reportedly considering putting restrictions on protest marches on O'Connell Street in order to protect the businesses of local retailers.
Reports this morning said city manager John Fitzgerald urged councillors last night to support the restrictions, saying the right to protest had to be balanced with the rights of businesses and shoppers.
He reportedly claimed the high number of marches taking place on O'Connell Street could see city-centre traders losing business to out-of-town shopping centres.
Mr Fitzgerald told councillors last night that 39 marches took place on the street last year and the number was growing every year.
