Updated 19.57pm

sam boal / Photocall Ireland sam boal / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

THOUSANDS OF PROTESTERS took to the the streets of Dublin today to protest against the water charges.

Before the demonstration began, organisers said they expected upwards of 10,000 people, however, they now estimate that 80,000 to 100,000 people took part.

The gardaí would not confirm the numbers of today’s protest, stating that they would not be making an estimate.

They said that the demonstration today has been peaceful with no reports of any arrests.

The march, which started at the Garden of Remembrance earlier, took protesters down O’Connell Street to the Dáil, before turning back and settling at the GPO to hear speeches.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, South Dublin County Councillor Gino Kenny said that he had not seen such a large crowd at a protest since 2003 when people marched against the war in Iraq.

“The atmosphere great today, so many people have taken part from all over the country. This is just the start of a much larger campaign. We mustn’t lose momentum, this is when people need to stand together,” he said, adding that the numbers that turned up today are an indication that the “government are in big trouble”.

Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

There are significant delays in the city centre this afternoon.

AA Roadwatch advise motorists to avoid the following areas: Parnell Square, Frederick St, North Quays, O’Connell St, Wexford St, Georges St, Kildare St.

Here are some scenes from the day: