Galway rock band The Stunning are mounting a busking protest against some of the bylaws proposed by the city's council.
Band member Joe Wall has confirmed that the group will be taking to the streets to support the opposition to curtail busking and leaflet distribution in the city. Information booths are also to be set up at their three Galway gigs at the end of the month.
The Stunning are currently on a sell-out, once-off, one-month-only tour around the country. Due to demand, a third Galway date has been added, and the band will play the Radisson SAS Hotel on September 25th, 26th and 27th.
After their first live gig together for nine years last weekend, band members were given information leaflets by those opposing the new bylaws put forward by Galway City Council.
Free speech is an issue the band feel very strongly about and everyone should have the right to busk if they want to do that, said Joe Wall.
"We're going on a busking session on Shop Street to voice our opposition to the proposals. I think people in Ireland are becoming too complacent about things and are being walked over," he said.
Fans of the band and passers-by will be treated to an outdoor performance by The Stunning when they begin their busking protest on Shop Street on September 27th at 3 p.m.
The band has also decided to set up information booths at their Galway concerts, giving details of what city hall is proposing and why they're opposed to it.
"I feel sorry for people who try and pass out leaflets on the streets. Pedestrians often feel afraid of stopping and talking to these people in case they're being asked to sign their life away or something," added Wall.
If passed, the parks and open spaces bylaws would mean that those holding a public meeting or religious service of more than 100 people, as well as buskers and film- and television-makers, would be forced to seek written permission from the authorities.
A strong opposition campaign has been mounting in the city in recent weeks under the banner Defend Free Speech, Assembly and Activity.