Musicians working in Dublin City Centre say they’re fearful of attacks when leaving their gigs late at night.
They say they’re particularly worried because many of them have expensive instruments with them when they’re leaving venues.
The Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland says it has contacted the Lord Mayor and gardaí about the issue.
MEAI has expressed concern after they were contacted by members worried about their personal safety in the city.
“We have been looking into this because so many of our members have said they are very worried about their vulnerability when confronted by gangs loitering around the Temple Bar area in particular,” said MEAI spokesperson Rebecca Cappuccini.
Musicians are particularly worried as they carry expensive instruments and equipment when going and leaving venues, many of which are in the Temple Bar area.
MEAI has raised its member’s fears in the past with the Lord Mayor, the Gardai and others with a call to increase the police presence on the streets but says the situation has now worsened.
Rebecca Cappuccini added: “Our members regularly highlight the pervasive safety issues faced by gigging musicians and workers in Dublin city. The presence of gangs and disruptive individuals in public spaces poses significant risks to the well-being and livelihoods of those attending events and our members.
There needs to be a collective approach to solving this problem.”
