A reduced number of street traders have been given permission to open in Dublin City Centre for the Christmas season.

Last month, Dublin City Council told traders on Henry Street they would be banned from reopening when coronavirus restrictions were eased, even though traditional shops were returning.

The decision left street traders “devastated,” with the Committee for Casual Trading (CCT) representative group calling for consistency on the regulations.

This afternoon, it was announced that 25 stalls would be allowed to open – 15 on Henry Street and 10 on O’Connell Street.

On Lunchtime Live this afternoon, North Inner City Councillor Janice Boylan said traders were now pulling names out of a hat to see who would get the chance to open.

“I would be lying if I told you that people are delighted and happy, they’re not,” she said.

“There are certainly people who are very upset by this. All of the traders were hoping to get out, so some of them are deeply upset by the fact that it’s just 25.

“There are some who are happy enough that 25 was even allowed to go ahead.”

In previous years, Henry Street alone would have played host to around 40 stalls.

Those that are chosen to reopen should be in place by the end of the week.