Dublin council takes action to protect Molly Malone statue from tourists

In Dublin, Ireland, during the month of May, Dublin City Council has initiated a pilot scheme to address ongoing concerns regarding the inappropriate touching of the Molly Malone statue. This statue, erected in honor of a legendary woman known for selling shellfish in the streets, has become a popular attraction, but recent complaints from the public about tourists groping the statue have prompted action. The council has decided to station stewards near the statue to educate visitors on the importance of respecting the artwork and to request that they refrain from touching it. The issue of touching the statue has been compounded by its low plinth, which encourages crowds to gather and some individuals to engage in unwelcome behavior. As a result, the council is planning to re-patinate parts of the statue that have become discolored over time due to repeated touching. The council representative emphasized that they aim to protect not only this statue but also other public art pieces, reinforcing that touching them can lead to damage and costly repairs. In light of the complaints, additional preventive measures have been proposed. Discussions are underway regarding possibilities such as raising the statue on a higher plinth or even relocating it entirely, although these options are considered pricey and may carry additional risks. For now, the pilot scheme will run for a week in May, primarily focusing on educating the public about acceptable behaviors around public sculptures. Local advocates, including students like Tilly Cripwell, have expressed their support for the initiative, while also critiquing the short-sightedness of relying solely on stewards as a solution. Cripwell suggested that a more permanent solution might be necessary, such as changing the statue’s placement, and also recommended installing a plaque that provides historical context about Molly Malone. The combination of education and potential physical changes aims to cultivate a culture of respect for public art in Dublin, which resonates with the larger narrative of preserving the city's artistic heritage.