Updated 8.56am
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE are expected to take to Dublin’s streets today in the latest protest against water charges.
Buses will come from across the country, with estimates for the number of protesters ranging from 30,000 to 70,000 people.
Gardaí say they have worked closely with the organisers of the Right2Water protest and will “facilitate this peaceful protest in every way possible”.
The main part of the protest outside the Dáil is scheduled for 12.30pm today and it is expected that many roads will be closed for a large part of the afternoon.
Barriers were put in place on Merrion Street, Merrion Square and Molesworth Street early this morning ahead of the protest.
Gardaí say both Kildare Street and Molesworth Street will be closed to traffic with other rolling road closures in place as protesters make their way from Heuston Station at 11.30am along the quays to the Dáil.
Gardaí are requesting that those attending the protest use Merrion Square East as their approach route.
The garda plan for the protests contains five “strategic objectives” and says they will aim to provide “an effective proportionate and professional police response to the event”.
Gardaí say that this includes the “targeting of criminal and antisocial behaviour”.
The garda plan says they will seek to facilitate the peaceful demonstration and “ensure public safety of those attending the protest and those going about their lawful business.”
The plan also sets out to “minimise the impact on the business community” and “facilitate the workings of Dáil Éireann.”
Gardaí are advising those attending the protest to prepare for wintry conditions and to “wear hi-vis as appropriate”.
- Additional reporting by Rónán Duffy
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say