Video – Women lead protest against water charges during Taoiseach's visit

METAL crash barriers, groups of gardaí and a "temporary exclusion zone" greeted a small group of women anti-water charges activists who had gathered to protest during the visit of An Taoiseach to Dublin City Hall on Thursday.

Women taking part in the demonstration held signs and banners outlining their opposition to water charges and the installation of water meters. Others also hit out at the actions of some members of An Garda Síochána who they say have been heavy-handed against peaceful protesters, particularly women.

Among those protesting were Dublin City Sinn Féin Councillors Denise Mitchell, Janice Boylan, Emma Murphy, Críona Ní Dhálaigh and Cathleen Carney Boud.

The demonstrators had intended to hold a silent protest by the entrance to City Hall as Enda Kenny arrived but were informed by a Garda that under Section 21 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 they were to be moved out of the area.

A Garda told the women that the streets surrounding City Hall were now a "sterile zone" and even members of the public were stopped from entering the area until the Taoiseach was inside the building.

When Enda Kenny arrived he was greeted with booing and chants of "Enda Kenny, not a penny" and "shame" by the protesters who had now been moved to the other end of the street. A number of passing members of the public joined in the booing.

Speaking to An Phoblacht outside City Hall, Denise Mitchell said:

"The message we have for this government is simple; no to water charges. Citizens simply can't afford to pay. If the government believes it is truly listening to the people then it should abolish this unfair charge immediately."