Organisers claim 100,000 attended anti-water charges protest
Around 100,000 people have taken part in a mass demonstration against water charges in Dublin, according to the organisers of the rally.
Gardaí have not confirmed the figures, but Right2Water say they were blown away by the huge numbers that turned out to vent their anger over the tax.
Protestors marched to the Dáil and then heard speeches outside the GPO on O'Connell Street.
March passing GPO some already at Leinster House was not on route. Big March!#waterprotest pic.twitter.com/hUstRInhIy
— Colman O'Sullivan (@colmanos) October 11, 2014
Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald said that people did the right thing to take to the streets.
Many, many people are in a position where they simply cannot pay it,” she said.
“But those of us who believe, as I firmly believe, that it is completely unforgiveable of this Government to heap another charge such as this on struggling households, should be out on the streets.”
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. Great statement #Waterprotest #Irishwater #lovedublin #Ireland pic.twitter.com/oNOc1vZsKo
— David Costello Photography (@DavidCostelloDC) October 11, 2014
Second view of #Right2Water march at College Green from @Trinity_News :https://t.co/hcX0L3v6Oi
— breakingnews.ie (@breakingnewsie) October 11, 2014
Traffic in the city centre is moving again after coming to a standstill during the protest.
All roads in the area have now reopened.
A smaller protest also took place in Cork city centre today.
