The forced entry to the historic bandstand in Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green has been condemned as “reckless” and damaging by Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Patrick O’Donovan. A large group of young people on Thursday evening broke through security barriers erected to protect the 19th century bandstand from vandalism. Mr O’Donovan said he understood people were “eager to enjoy the outdoors” but said: “this is no excuse for damaging historic structures and displaying reckless behaviour as we have witnessed yesterday and in the past days at the bandstand in St Stephen’s Green. “To prevent accidents and to assess the bandstand’s structural integrity, the OPW took the decision to fence off the historic bandstand. “The Green is an oasis in the city centre and I would ask you to help us keep it that way so everybody can enjoy it.”

Source: The Irish Times June 04, 2021 10:31 UTC