30 September 2014
Gardaí deployed in force so Irish Water can face down meter protests by residents
Gardaí clear a road of protesters to allow Irish Water trucks enter the estate
THE DEPLOYMENT of large numbers of gardaí to face down residents' protests in housing estates to aid Irish Water in the installation of unwanted water meters has been condemned as a waste of resources.
Speaking from the scene of protests in the northside suburb of Limewood, Sinn Féin Beaumont/Donaghmede Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha said:
“This morning, 20 gardaí were deployed in this small estate to enforce the installation of water meters by Irish Water. Two women were arrested for peacefully protesting, simply standing on a shore. The courts have vindicated the right to peaceful protest but the arrests this morning run contrary to that."
He said there were far more pressing issues which An Garda Síochána should be tackling:
"Our communities are experiencing increased burglaries and other crimes yet Garda resources are diverted to help enforce Irish Water meters."
Councillor Mac Donncha also reaffirmed Sinn Féin's stance that water charges should be scrapped.
Follow us on Facebook
An Phoblacht on Twitter
An Phoblacht Podcast
Uncomfortable Conversations
An initiative for dialogue
for reconciliation
— — — — — — —
Contributions from key figures in the churches, academia and wider civic society as well as senior republican figures
