Updated 11.24pm

GARDAÍ MADE ONE arrest this afternoon, as a number of protests were held outside Leinster House.

A section of Molesworth Street was cordoned off to facilitate demonstrations by several groups, on issues as diverse as fur farming, pylons and mortgages.

The arrest was made shortly after 2.30pm by gardaí with the Public Order Unit.

According to an eye-witness, the woman was trying to pass the security barrier when she was told by gardaí to remain behind it.

She then threw herself to the ground and demanded to be let through, the same eye-witness said.

The woman was then taken from the scene of the protest to a Garda truck, parked at the Kildare Street gates of Leinster House.

[Daragh Brophy/TheJournal.ie]

Activists with the National Animal Rights Association, speaking afterwards, said a number of people had tried to “rush” the barrier (which they said was illegal) when the woman fell to the ground.

Around 60 protesters in total took part in demonstrations this afternoon, held to coincide with the first day of the new Dáil term.

As calm was restored following the arrest, broadcaster Vincent Browne — hurrying on his way into Leinster House — was given a warm welcome by demonstrators.

He shook a few hands, but didn’t stop for long…

[Daragh Brophy/TheJournal.ie]