Dublin City Council has announced that Portobello Plaza will be closed this weekend.
The council said some of the behaviour at the popular canal-side spot in recent weeks has been “completely unacceptable” - with up to 1,000 people congregating there at weekends despite COVID-19 restrictions.
In a statement, the council said: “The associated anti-social behaviour is having a hugely detrimental effect on both the local community and the environment.”
It will be closed to the public from this afternoon until Monday morning, with the situation to be reviewed on May 17th.
A video released by the council shows the area fenced off.
Unfortunately Portobello Plaza is closed this weekend & we appeal to the public not to come here. We are aware of the importance of public spaces but some behaviour at this location in recent weeks has been completely unacceptable. https://t.co/OgTe0dCnX0#Portobello #Dublin pic.twitter.com/hSXZoe5bUd
— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) May 14, 2021
The closure coincides with the first weekend of eased restrictions around outdoor gatherings.
Under the current guidelines, a maximum of three households or six people from any number of households can meet in outdoor settings.
