Dublin is stepping up security for its famous Molly Malone statue due to concerns about visitors damaging it. Often depicted in a song about Irish culture, the statue of this folkloric figure has attracted attention from tourists keen to pose for photos and touch her bust, hoping for a little luck. Unfortunately, this constant touching has caused the statue’s once-pristine appearance to fade.

To address the situation, the Dublin City Council announced that stewards will be placed near the statue for a week in May. Their role will not only be to guard the statue but also to educate tourists on the significance of Molly Malone and discourage inappropriate touching. Additionally, the council will repair the statue's bust, a task they've been forced to repeat due to ongoing damage.

This initiative follows a campaign dubbed “Leave Molly mAlone,” led by Tilly Cripwell, a 23-year-old student who also performs music in the area. With these measures, Dublin hopes to preserve the charm of Molly Malone and protect its cultural heritage for future generations.