Protesters gather in Dublin as Repeal the 8th mural is removed

A GROUP of protesters gathered in Dublin city centre this morning as a mural urging the repeal of the Eighth Amendment was removed by authorities.

The mural was sprayed on the wall of Dublin’s Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar.

The mural featured a red heart on a blue background, with “Repeal the 8^th” written across it, referring to the upcoming vote on May 25^th when the people of Ireland will have the chance to decide whether to retain or repeal the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution which bans abortion in Ireland.

The registered charity was told by the Charities Regulator to remove the mural by Irish street artist Maser because it was considered to constitute “political activity”.

The Project declared on Friday that it would paint over it on Monday.

In a statement, the Project said: “The Charities Regulator has informed Project Arts Centre that the display of Maser’s ‘Repeal the 8^th’ artwork is ‘political activity’ and that Project is therefore in breach of the Charities Act 2009 and not in line with Project’s ‘charitable purpose’. Should the artwork not be removed, Project risks losing its charitable status.

“Project Arts Centre respects the authority of the Charities Regulator and will comply with their order to remove Maser’s artwork.”

The mural was painted over by the Project’s artistic director, Cian O’Brien, at 11 am.

Protest growing a bit in size now at the Repeal mural. pic.twitter.com/GyJOC6I7Ok

— Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) April 23, 2018

Repeal the 8th mural by @MaserArt outside @projectarts in Temple Bar has been removed for the second time. pic.twitter.com/zj0E9JLTmK

— Karin Carthy (@KarinCarthy) April 23, 2018

@pomahony92 and I were too late to take a pic with the #Repeal Mural. Make sure you're not too late - register to vote! https://t.co/doBnraN4SR #together4yes #repealthe8th pic.twitter.com/zogapeKAbk

— I said good day (@ArkhamToastie) April 23, 2018