Thousands march against water charges
Demonstrations against water charges are underway up and down the country this afternoon.
Saying no to water charges all over Ireland pic.twitter.com/KbkTRQldzX
— gfm101 (@gfm101) November 1, 2014
The demonstrations are being held in an abundance of local protests, numbering hundreds in many places. The gatherings have been staggered across the early afternoon.
Almost 100 separate protests are scheduled to take place, with organisers Right 2 Water estimating that up 100,000 people could take part despite rainy conditions in many areas.
Swords #Right2Water pic.twitter.com/rpKZqj9bhD
— Right2Water Ireland (@Right2WaterIRL) November 1, 2014
The wave of protests is expected to be the largest demonstration to date in the lifetime of this Government.
Great turn out for the #Tallaght march @Right2WaterIRL #Right2Water #irishwater pic.twitter.com/jRQIcmQtqz
— Kellie Kearney (@MyLittleBabog) November 1, 2014
The first demonstrations began at 11am in Dublin's Artane and Tallaght areas, with other regions of the capital meeting locally.
In Cork, a reported 10,000 people marched in the city in the persistent rain, down South Mall and Grand Parade.
Panorama of Grand Parade #cork #waterprotest pic.twitter.com/8ZdFHazqvC
— Jonathan Healy (@jonathanhealy) November 1, 2014
About 100 people met at the Five Lamps landmark for a Sinn Féin event, which has now marched into the city centre.
"This is real. This is democracy in action," the party's deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said.
"This is every bit as much a democratic expression of the will of the people as an election."
Demonstrations are taking place in most counties, with Cork, Kildare, Clare, Meath and Wicklow all underway.
AA Roadwatch warned motorists to expect delays in the capital during the afternoon.
Demonstrators are expected to walk along the north quays and Bachelor's Walk before arriving at the GPO on O'Connell Street.
