Legal query about a noisy protest

[D8Lady]

I wasn't sure where to put this, here or in the Depths, anyhow, here's the query.

There has been a small but noisy protest outside the Dáil on Wednesdays lunchtime for an hour for the past coupld of weeks. Details can be found on this Facebook site here:

The group are non-political, advocating peaceful protest etc. But taking inspiration from Icelanders, they do have pots & pans, whistles and a bodhrán during their short protest.

A local business complained that the noise might put off their customers so the Gardai asked/told them (the protesters) to be quiet.

The question is this: what legal protection do citizens have to peaceful, short but noisy protest? If a business complains about them that they "might deter customers", how are these rights balanced?

(If a business is located near the Dáil, surely they should be used to regular protests by now..!)

Any opinions appreciated.

 

[tenchi-fan]

This is a bully tactic really. It's clearly breaching the peace and causing nuisance. People have a right to protest, but they don't have a right to disrupt and annoy people or businesses.

 

[z107]

A very short-sighted view by the local business in my opinion.
I would be far more worried about the negative impact on business caused by the government.

 

[rockofages]

A very short-sighted view by the local business in my opinion.
I would be far more worried about the negative impact on business caused by the government.

The business in question can't do anything about the govt, but they can about the noise.

 

[D8Lady]

This is a bully tactic really. It's clearly breaching the peace and causing nuisance. People have a right to protest, but they don't have a right to disrupt and annoy people or businesses.

I was as the seniors citizens protest about the medical cards - its was noisy, went on for the afternoon and blocked Molesworth St & street in front of the Dáil. I don't recall if Gardai arrested anyone for breach of the peace or told anyone to shush.

I just find this an odd case - its just a bit nanny-ish.