Plans for a Temple Bar Company Christmas market have been shelved by way of COVID-19 regulations. 

The group says it's "highly disappointed" their efforts have been thwarted, especially given their backing from Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána.

The market was classed as an 'event' under the HSE's public health restrictions which, according to present regulations, only allocates for 15 people to attend at any one time.

This classification has been handed down despite a green light given to a weekly food market in the square as well as a number of other market stalls in the city.

Contrary to HSE advice, Temple Bar Company's CEO Martin Harte said he also received correspondence from An Garda Síochána stating it does not consider the Christmas market an “event” within the meaning of the COVID-19 guidelines and it is supportive of the market going ahead.

The Christmas Market was due to be held in Meeting House Square this weekend and run every Friday and Sunday after that.

CEO Harte says he can't see why traders can serve customers in areas like Henry Street, but not across the river.

"[It's] highly disappointing that different parts of the city are being treated differently and again this is another example of the city centre being squeezed," he told The Pat Kenny Show.

"The city centre has had an awful year and here we are, yet again, looking at other measures that further complicate life for those trying to make a living in the city centre."

"It’s been a really tough year for many small family businesses who are struggling to survive," a recent tweet from Temple Bar Company reads. "Hopefully common sense can prevail."

Dublin City Council announced last month that the Henry Street markets could not go ahead this year but later relented following a consultation process with traders overseen by Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu.

Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie