The Molly Malone statue breasts in Dublin has been boarded up while workmen repair it after it became unstable from years of being fondled by tourists. It’s probably for the bust!
The Molly Malone statue in Dublin has been boarded up as it undergoes repairs — months after a bust up over tourists groping her breasts. Tourists were seen trying to jump to peak over the fence for a glimpse of the famous fishmonger.
The move comes after minders were stationed nearby as part of a pilot scheme to stop sleazy sightseers molesting the monument.
Her chest has become discoloured from years of rubbing from tourists since 2012 when a rumour that it would bring good luck is believed to have been dreamt up by a cheeky tour guide.
And it is now undergoing maintenance works it after an inspection found the entire sculpture was unstable with multiple broken fittings after more than decade of being fondled.
Tourists this week told of their shock at missing out on a chance of seeing the iconic life-size statue erected in 1988 to commemorate the mythical figure who features in a folk song of the same name, which tells the fictional tale of a fishmonger who plied her trade on the streets of Dublin and died young of a fever.
The report by expert metalworkers Bush Park Ironworks showed that two of the pins that held Molly in place were completely destroyed.
The ironworks said the metalwork would be relatively straightforward with barriers erected, a thorough cleaning, the restoration of “the top edge of her dress” and then waxing. But they said the bigger concern was the overall stability of the statue.
The council plans to install flower beds around the base of the statue in a bid to protect it from persistent touching, as its surface has suffered damage, the Irish Independent reports.
It was also suggested that the council may place liquid concrete into the plinth to further stabilise the statue after records showed an inspection of Molly Malone found that there were multiple broken fittings on the statue.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council told Dublin Live: “The Molly Malone sculpture is undergoing essential maintenance.”
Stewards patrolled the statue for a week from the start of May and intervened if any tourists went to feel her bust. A council spokesperson added: “The Stewards were in situ for one week in May.
“When approached not to touch the statue, people were generally cooperative but without stewards the behaviour returns and is ingrained apparently as part of your visit to Dublin. Tour guides also cooperated very well by asking their groups not to touch the statue.”
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