Sir, – I write in support of Máire Una Ní Bheaglaoich (Letters July 31st). Street music goes back to antiquity and there is nothing as uplifting and entertaining as genuine, pure busking. Not so long ago, while strolling from the top of Grafton Street to the bottom, one could enjoy singing, quartets, solo violin, cello, flute, oboe, balloon-making, juggling and more. I have enjoyed them all. But who gave permission for amplification? We are now subjected to karaoke, brass instruments not tuned to their backing tracks, and a level of volume that would make us want to plug our ears. I implore Dublin City Council to ban amplified busking in city streets and in particular on Grafton Street. Yours, etc,
URSULA HOUGH-GORMLEY,
Donnybrook Castle,
Dublin 4
Sir, – I must agree with Máire Ní Bheaglaoich about the intolerable experience traditional buskers have in the face of highly amplified noise levels from competitors on Grafton Street.
Amplification is fine when it’s indoors or outside for a massive crowd under licence, but as one who has walked up and down Grafton Street for 50 years and more hoping to enjoy a relaxing, artistic experience while shopping or passing through, I find it a pity that otherwise fine singers and musicians have to employ such obnoxious, in-your-face sound levels.
I know of a lovely concertina player, who may well be Máire herself, who held a long-standing position there for many years until she was pushed out into a side street by the aggression referred to. That is shameful, and indeed Dublin City Council would do well for Grafton Street’s atmosphere to ban any form of amplification whatsoever by its busking artists. Yours, etc,
SEAN O’DWYER,
Wesley Lawns,
Dundrum,
Dublin 14