Portobello Plaza will be closed this weekend due to “completely unacceptable” behaviour in recent weeks

It said anti-social behaviour in the area has been detrimental to the community.

Dublin City Council has announced that it will close Portobello Plaza this weekend due to what it called "completely unacceptable" behaviour in the area in recent weeks. The Council appealed for members of the public not to go to the area this weekend as it will be closed from early afternoon on Friday 14 May, until Monday morning, 17 May. In a statement it said: "Dublin City Council is very aware of the importance of public spaces in recent times but some behaviour at this location in recent weeks has been completely unacceptable. "Up to a thousand people have congregated in the area on recent weekends, without due regard for Covid-19 restrictions. "The associated anti-social behaviour is having a hugely detrimental effect on both the local community and the environment." Dublin City Council said the decision was made following consultation with local residents, public representatives, and An Garda Síochána. It said the situation will be reviewed next week. There will be an increased Garda presence in the Portobello area this weekend and anyone caught consuming alcohol outdoors in a public space may be fined. In April, Dublin City Council launched the Portobello Matters campaign in a bid to stop people from drinking outdoors in the area on the back of numerous complaints from residents. “In recent months due to Covid-19 we have seen an increase in usage of our outdoor spaces," Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu said at the launch. "The canal area has been a popular and valued amenity for all. Unfortunately there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area” “These behaviours include people leaving their rubbish behind and people frequently urinating and even defecating outside someone’s home. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the space but the above behaviours are simply not ok. Please help support the local community by being respectful.”