Tighter regulations will be brought in for buskers in Dublin City Centre.

Councillors have agreed to a public consultation process, although they rejected an outright ban on street performers in Temple Bar.

However, buskers in Dublin City Centre will have to get an annual permit, with an additional licence if they want to use amplifiers.

Dublin City Arts Officer Ray Yates says councillors are concerned about noise levels:

The council has stated that they have seen a significant increase in the amount of complaints about buskers from the public and businesses.

The complaints apparently related to loud continuous noise, obstruction of premises and disturbing city residents at night.

There were also complaints in relation to performers seeking donations.

Under the new laws, all performers will have to pay a €30 annual charge while those with amplifiers would have to pay an extra €60.