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Action Being Taken To Protect Molly Malone

Laura Donnelly
Laura Donnelly

05:18 31 Mar 2025


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The Molly Malone statue will be supervised from May, in an attempt to prevent people from touching her.

A protective layer will also be introduced over the statue’s chest, after concerns were raised over inappropriate touching.

Dublin City Council say it follows ‘upset and disquiet’ from members of the public.

Dublin City Council says: "DCC acknowledges Tilly Cripwell’s and other members of the public’s  advocacy and concern about the treatment of the Molly Malone statue and officials from the Arts Office have met with Tilly and others on several occasions.

"The issue of touching statues particularly by tourists is a worldwide phenomenon and DCC are addressing this issue through education of tour guides and a review of the statue’s positioning.

"There may also be a need for  stewarding at certain times to directly stop people touching the statue.

"This is a long term programme and response and achieving behavioural awareness and change take time.

"Due to the touching of the statue repatination i.e re -covering of the bronze with a protective layer is now required and will be carried out as soon as possible."

"Wonderful"

Campaigner Tilly Cripwell says: "The statue’s discoloured bronze surface will be treated to ensure that Molly’s entire figure maintains a uniform patina, correcting the tarnishing caused by years of her breasts being over-touched by tourists.

"A steward system will also be established on a pilot basis to prevent repeated damage.

"This is a wonderful victory for Dublin’s heritage. Molly Malone deserves to be admired and respected.

"I’m thrilled that Dublin City Council has taken action and I hope that visitors will continue to appreciate her in a way that preserves her legacy and sets good social examples to future generations."

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