Portobello Plaza will be closed this weekend and the following two weekends in an attempt to halt “anti-social behaviour”. Green Party Councillor Claire Byrne said that gating off public spaces is not “the way forward”. He added that there has been “hysteria” online after the closure of the plaza last weekend. "We need to make sure residents are protected from antisocial behaviour and can have a peaceful night sleep in their own home but closing off a public space is not the solution, especially when we need outdoor public space now more than ever. The plaza was closed last weekend after residents reported anti social behaviour due to people gathering in the plaza and drinking alcohol during good weather, as well as littering.

Source: Irish Independent May 20, 2021 12:31 UTC