Legal query about a noisy protest

I wasn't sure where to put this, here or in the Depths, anyhow, here's the query.

There has been a small but noisy protest outside the Dáil on Wednesdays lunchtime for an hour for the past coupld of weeks. Details can be found on this Facebook site here:

The group are non-political, advocating peaceful protest etc. But taking inspiration from Icelanders, they do have pots & pans, whistles and a bodhrán during their short protest.

A local business complained that the noise might put off their customers so the Gardai asked/told them (the protesters) to be quiet.

The question is this: what legal protection do citizens have to peaceful, short but noisy protest? If a business complains about them that they "might deter customers", how are these rights balanced?

(If a business is located near the Dáil, surely they should be used to regular protests by now..!)

Any opinions appreciated.

This is a bully tactic really. It's clearly breaching the peace and causing nuisance. People have a right to protest, but they don't have a right to disrupt and annoy people or businesses.

A very short-sighted view by the local business in my opinion.
I would be far more worried about the negative impact on business caused by the government.

umop3p!sdn said:

A very short-sighted view by the local business in my opinion.
I would be far more worried about the negative impact on business caused by the government.

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The business in question can't do anything about the govt, but they can about the noise.

tenchi-fan said:

This is a bully tactic really. It's clearly breaching the peace and causing nuisance. People have a right to protest, but they don't have a right to disrupt and annoy people or businesses.

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I was as the seniors citizens protest about the medical cards - its was noisy, went on for the afternoon and blocked Molesworth St & street in front of the Dáil. I don't recall if Gardai arrested anyone for breach of the peace or told anyone to shush.

I just find this an odd case - its just a bit nanny-ish.