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New Killarney by-laws could see fines or prosecution for buskers

As part of the changes, amplifiers will have to be kept under 80 decibels and there is a two-hour limit on any location
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

09.08 30 Mar 2023


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New Killarney by-laws could se...

New Killarney by-laws could see fines or prosecution for buskers

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

09.08 30 Mar 2023


Share this article


Buskers in Killarney will face fines of €75, or even prosecution in the District Court, for breaking new by-laws.

As part of the changes, amplifiers will have to be kept under 80 decibels and there is a two-hour limit on any location.

After this period, buskers will have to move 50 metres away.

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Those operating without a permit or breaking the rules will face a fine or prosecution.

Councillor Niall Kelleher, Mayor of Killarney, told Newstalk Breakfast previous guidelines weren't being followed.

"It's really dating back to a problem we've had [for] several years," he said.

"I first raised this back probably in 2017; following that we brought in guidelines for how buskers should operate on the streets of Killarney.

"In respecting those guidelines, we wouldn't have had to bring in by-laws to be enforced.

"Unfortunately those guidelines weren't being adhered to".

'Quality busking is welcome'

Cllr Kelleher said they welcome good quality busking.

"People were using foul language, they were staying in one place for extended periods of the day right outside doors of businesses," he said.

"You had people with very, very large amplification.

"Quality busking is very, very welcome in Killarney.

"We welcomed a lot of young new artists in the past, and famous artists now started off busking.

"We accept it and we welcome it, but we just want people to follow the guidelines that makes it easier for people that are operating their businesses".

Permits could be refused

Cllr Kelleher said anyone breaking the rules will not have their permit renewed.

"First of all the person's going to need to get a permit, the permits are going to be renewed," he said.

"In the event that the person doesn't have a permit then there's obviously warnings.

"Most certainly the permits will be refused when they're to be renewed if a person is breaking the rules and guidelines.

"They can be fined then [and] prosecuted in the District Court also.

"We don't want to be doing this, but they're there to ensure that we won't have incidences [like we did] in the past," he added.

Main image: A busker on Dublin's Grafton Street in July 2016. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

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Amplifiers By-laws District Court Guidelines Killarney By-laws Newstalk Breakfast Niall Kelleher

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