Henry Street traders have reacted angrily to news they will not all be allowed pitch their stalls this year.
Last month, Dublin City Council said the traditional Christmas markets would not go ahead this year due to fears over COVID-19.
The decision was met with a huge public backlash, with many calling for the lively stalls, which have been run by generations of families, to be allowed to trade as usual.
A meeting between traders and the council was brokered by Lord Mayor Hazel Chu on Monday where it was agreed that 15 stalls would be allowed operate on Henry Street with a further 10 on Moore Street.
A drawing of lots today decided who would get one of the 25 pitches but with 40 applicants, 15 traders have missed out and instead been placed on a reserve list.
The decision was met with outrage by supporters in the Henry Street Christmas Traders Facebook group.
One woman wrote: "I’m mentally and emotionally disheartened for my poor family."
Another added: "It’s disgraceful and so unfair on people who are they year in, year out since they were kids, it should be all or nothing."
Councillor Janice Boylan, who is secretary of the Henry Street Traders Committee, told Dublin Live the decision was a "hard pill to swallow" for traders.
She said: "You can understand where the people are coming from. These people have traded year in, year out, in all weather conditions and it is very disheartening and very upsetting for them to realise that they aren't going to get the opportunity to trade this year.
"There is an awful lot of upset and disappointment there at the moment."
Many have argued that the markets should be all be allowed to trade given that they are outside.
"We've had that message from the HSE and NPHET for a long time that if you're outside it's better," said Councillor Boylan.
"We've seen that when they had restaurants and pubs open they were encouraging them to have areas outside for their patrons so it has been proven that outside is better.
"Henry Street is a little bit trickier because it's a main artery and it's a main shopping district within the city centre so the guidelines for segregation and social distancing need to be very much adhered to because of the footfall that is likely to take place."
The Sinn Fein rep added it was very difficult to see close friends and family members miss out on their chance to trade this year.
"It's a hard pill to swallow because I was very vocal on behalf of the traders. It's not just a job to me, it's in my blood.
"Some of these people are family members who trade on Henry Street and it's very difficult for those that didn't get the opportunity."
