MOLLY MALONE may soon be surrounded by her present day equivalent, if a new proposal from Dublin City councillors is passed.
Last night it was announced that Dublin Corporation is to seriously examine a proposal to issue new permits for street traders to operate on 10 of the city's busiest streets, including the area beside Molly's statue at the bottom of Grafton Street.
The proposal was passed unanimously last night by all parties on Dublin City Council's general purposes committee. Among the streets included are Westmoreland Street, Nassau Street and the top and bottom of Grafton Street. Many of the streets were suggested by the traders themselves, who have lobbied councillors over the last few weeks.
However, the corporation's planning department may not accept all these streets and only some may get final ratification. It is entitled under the Casual Trading Act to designate certain streets for casual trading.
Moore Street and O'Connell Bridge are two areas where casual trading is permitted at present.
It is likely that some Dublin business associations will oppose the issuing of more permits.
A spokesman from Dublin Corporation said last night that issuing further permits would have "to take account of proper planning and the traffic generated by the new street trading areas".
A Green Party councillor, Mr Ciaran Cuffe, who first made the proposal said: "it is ironic that Molly Malone was a street trader, yet she'd probably be breaking the law every day in today's Dublin". He said he was confident that Dublin Corporation would accept the proposal.
Mr Cuffe said that over 15,000 people had moved into Dublin's inner city in the last five years and they would appreciate "properly regulated street trading".
Mr Tony Gregory (Ind), who has long supported the rights of street traders, said he hoped business organisations would not stop the issuing of new permits "on this occasion". He said street traders "added life and colour" to the city.
Mr Brendan Brady (FG) said permanent business owners "should have their views taken into account".
Other streets proposed are South Great Georges Street, Liffey Street, North Earl Street and Aston Quay.