Tánaiste Joan Burton's car has been blocked by protesters in south west Dublin this afternoon.
Tanaiste's car still blocked in Jobstown pic.twitter.com/HpWGDk6FGS
— Sandra Hurley (@sandra_hurley) November 15, 2014
And another one ... @rtenews pic.twitter.com/9uPehNIy0A
— Sandra Hurley (@sandra_hurley) November 15, 2014
Joan Burton blocked in by peaceful protesters in Jobstown. #nowatercharges #wewontpay pic.twitter.com/jslYNvanPq
— Paul Murphy 🏳️⚧️ (@paulmurphy_TD) November 15, 2014
Ms Burton was attending an event in Jobstown, near Tallaght when around 100 people opposed to water charges gathered around her car.
Some of those present staged a sit-down protest, preventing the car from moving.
The situation is ongoing and the garda helicopter has been deployed to the scene, RTÉ news reported.
Gardaí say no arrests have been made.
Car has moved about two metres ..two helicopters overhead, dozens of Gardai, a few eggs being thrown. 'we won't pay' pic.twitter.com/PD1TU0JYLj
— Sandra Hurley (@sandra_hurley) November 15, 2014
A spokesman for the Minister said while there was no comment on the protests, the Tanaiste was in Tallaght to attend a graduation ceremony for students of higher education programmes at An Cosan.
The spokesperson said this was "a very special day", and nothing should be allowed to overshadow their achievements.
The Tánaiste has been escorted from the scene by gardaí after being transferred to a garda vehicle. Crowds in the area have dispersed.
RT @ColmHand: Joan Burton switching GARDAI vehicles after tense 2.5 hour protest ends in Jobstown #rtenews pic.twitter.com/i1v7qdbEwg @rtenews
— Sandra Hurley (@sandra_hurley) November 15, 2014
Gardaí said two teenage boys were arrested and taken to Tallaght Garda Station.