The Molly Malone statue in Dublin could be placed on a pedestal to stop people groping it.
The famous figure has become shiny from mostly tourists rubbing its breasts for luck.
The statue, outside St Andrew’s Church on Suffolk Street, is a popular stop on the tourist trail.
However, the so-called “tradition” of rubbing the statue’s breasts “for good luck”, has sparked a backlash in recent years.
Jeanne Rynhart’s bronze sculpture of the iconic fishmonger was first erected on Grafton Street in 1988, before later being moved to its current spot to accommodate the Luas.
The statue’s bosom – which has become shiny from tourists touching it – was covered in paint three times in recent years in protest.
What many consider a “tradition” of rubbing Molly Malone’s breasts “for good luck”, has been getting backlash lately.
Busker Tilly Cripwell has campaigned for her to be treated with more respect.
She revealed to the Irish Independent that Dublin City Council is “strongly considering” her request to keep her out of reach by raising her up a bit.
Ms Cripwell said she has had “productive meetings” with DCC to discuss ideas as to how the statue could be more respected.
Her suggestions include elevation of the statue in line with the majority of Dublin’s male statues, restoration of the symbolic discolouration of her chest, along with a commemorative plaque explaining history and legacy.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said: “We had a meeting with Tilly Cripwell at her request a few months ago.
"We discussed her ideas for how the issues around the Molly Malone statue could be improved, including raising up the plinth so that the statue is more highly elevated, and her idea for a grassroots awareness campaign.”
