A group representing traders in the Old City shopping district of Temple Bar in Dublin have said that gardaí are taking an 'over the top approach' in providing security for EU presidency meetings at Dublin Castle.
Mairéad Foley, Chairperson of Old City Traders, said the gardaí had installed manned barriers this morning at each end of Cow's Lane, the central shopping street of the Old City.
Ms Foley said that shoppers wishing to enter the street had to go through an interview process with gardaí, and as most people had not bothered taking the trouble to do this, the shops were empty.
'If this situation continues shops will be put out of business', Ms Foley said.
Ms Foley called for a balance to be struck between security needs and the needs of small businesses.
