The large turnout for a hoax Halloween parade on O’Connell Street last night shows there is a public appetite for such events in Dublin, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said:
“While hundreds of people were left disappointed after turning up in the city centre in the expectation of seeing a colourful parade running from Parnell Square to Temple Bar, this incident indicates there would be a strong demand for a well organised Halloween event in the capital.
“With a bit of imagination and forward planning, this is something that Dublin City Council could do particularly well.
“Officially organised events like parades and festivals can bring much needed life and vibrancy to Dublin city centre, which has suffered from decades of neglect and dereliction.
“Even though the Halloween parade turned out to be an internet hoax, there was a great atmosphere in the city as hundreds of people converged on O’Connell Street.
“However, what happened last night also raises wider issues about the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the spread of misinformation and disinformation online.
“Measures to regulate AI, along with proposals to strengthen the legal framework around the responsibilities and obligations of online platforms, are included in the Social Democrats’ Digital and Online Safety policy, which we published this week.”
November 1, 2024