Occupy Dame Street protestors ignore personal request from Tourism Minister and St Pat’s Grand Marshal to move on

“I think it would be worthwhile for them [the protesters] to postpone the protest for the sake of the parade and for the image it portrays to the rest of the world,” he said, according to the Irish Times.

The Occupy Dame Street protesters have erected a protest camp not unlike the one that was built in Zuccotti Park in New York when the Occupy Wall Street protesters were encamped in the Financial District.

The Dublin protesters set up their residence October 8 in the Temple Bar area, and they now live in wooden structures cover with plastic sheeting.

Local gardai (police) have sent the protesters a letter asking that them to cooperate in removing the camp for public safety reasons.

Close to half a million people are expecting to visit for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and it is regarded as one of the biggest events for the city each year.   It is also huge opportunity for the capital to sell itself as a tourist destination.

While some local retailers recognize what the protesters stand for, they also know that their presence is causing a drop in business.

“The camp is right in the way of the public’s path towards this area. I would have some sympathy with their aims,” said one storeowner in the area, according to the Irish Times.

“But it’s gone beyond that now. They’ve made their point and should give the plaza back to the public.”

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Nster.com