A last gasp attempt to try and bring some hope of tradition back to Dublin's Henry Street this Christmas and allow outdoor stalls to trade has seen some positive developments take place this week.
But caution has been urged, following a meeting with Dublin City Council and the Henry Street traders.
The meeting was organised by Lord Mayor Hazel Chu following emergency motions by local councillors Janice Boylan and Joe Costello in an effort to save one of Dublin's most beloved traditions.
There is a possibility of trading, but not at the same level of previous years, with traders set to be contacted by DCC. The level of restrictions in place at the end of Level 5 will also impact any decision made.
Sinn Fein councillor Janice Boylan gave an update following the meeting and Councillor Boylan, who is also secretary on behalf of the Henry Street Traders Committee, said that the meeting went well but that the experience won't be the same as previous years.
She told Dublin Live: "We're happy that we got the meeting, and I have to give credit to Lord Mayor Hazel Chu for acting on my motion and arranging the meeting. We're happy that we got other suggestions. But it's not going to be the same as previous years. We're happy that we got that today, but it's 100% not the best case scenario."
She also gave praise to the Henry Street traders, many of whom are close family and friends. Her family have operated a stall on nearby Moore Street for many years.
She continued: "They're like family, it's just devastating. It won't be the same. But we're still hopeful and still in talks. We have another meeting next week."
Labour councillor Joe Costello reiterated the loss the stalls would be for all of Dublin and Ireland, but urged caution.
He said: "We had a good productive meeting this evening to try to find a mechanism to allow Christmas trading this year.
"I argued strongly for the need to continue the great tradition of Christmas trading on the street this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We made some good progress and are considering a number of options. Hopefully we will find a workable solution but there is still some distance to go."
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