The decision to prohibit Christmas street traders on Dublin's Henry Street this year has been criticised by local representatives.
Dublin City Council said the traditional seasonal trading will not go ahead this year because of Covid-19 safety concerns.
"Christmas traders are a huge part of the festive season in Dublin and we realise that many people will be disappointed. We are too, but safety must come first," the council said in a statement.
However, Sinn Féin councillor Janice Boylan said the city council has been trying to end street trading for years before the pandemic.
She pointed out the decision will mean that the street traders will be prohibited even if the shops reopen and said this would be "inconsistent and unfair".
"The street traders are just as capable of making it safe to shop on the street as it is in shop premises," she said.
"If restrictions are eased and if it is deemed safe to sit and eat outside a coffee shop, why would it not be as safe to buy goods from a stall on the street?"
In its statement, the council said that it hoped to see traders back on Henry Street and Mary Street in 2021.
