PHOTOS: Thousands turn out for water protests across the country
Thousands of people have turned out across the country to protest against water charges.
Man climbs gates to hang a sign. Others present object; chanted peaceful protest #rtenews Kildare street empty now pic.twitter.com/ks6b1Fre3y
— Joe Mag Raollaigh (@joemagraollaigh) January 31, 2015
The demonstrations were to mark the deadline for registration with Irish Water, which is this Monday.
This is really great stuff...huge cheers as both sides of quays wave to each other #Right2Water #Jan31 pic.twitter.com/nDJPX6T0Ws
— Mick Caul (@caulmick) January 31, 2015
Traffic in Dublin city centre was brought to a stand still this afternoon when thousands of people lined the streets to protest against water charges.
Protesters gathered at Connolly and Heuston Stations from 2pm before marching up the quays and meeting on O’Connell Street for a mass rally.
Marching .. A great crowd :)#ThePinkLadies #Jan31#Right2Water Are U watching #Enda #Joan#PeacefulProtest pic.twitter.com/UFQ2qjwXFn
— Tom Baldwin (@LegalEagleStar) January 31, 2015
Some protesters said they felt compelled to come out today because they have simply had enough.
Rolling street closures. Hard to estimate numbers but definitely now in 1000s from Connolly side #rtenews pic.twitter.com/BoMgJuOUWw
— Joe Mag Raollaigh (@joemagraollaigh) January 31, 2015
The estimated attendance for today’s peaceful protest in Dublin is being put at 30,000 by organisers.
Water protests underway good natured and loud #rtenews pic.twitter.com/KJqZ5ijcxA
— Joe Mag Raollaigh (@joemagraollaigh) January 31, 2015
Anti Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy said the turnout proves that the opposition to water charges remains strong.
@rte said there'd be a few hundred out today... They've underestimated the Irish People again #irishwater #jan31 pic.twitter.com/PlzQtHA6JP
— Orla Ward (@orlapow) January 31, 2015
Hundreds more join protest at Aston quay/O'Connell bridge #rtenews pic.twitter.com/w2bqy3wvmo
— Joe Mag Raollaigh (@joemagraollaigh) January 31, 2015
The next national protest by the Right2Water campaign will take place in March.
There were also protest rallies in other towns and cities across the country.
Demonstrators against #water charges gather in #Cork city pic.twitter.com/uBV9I6yr4H
— Ann Murphy (@CraftyReporter) January 31, 2015
Protesters gather for a demonstration and march against #water charges at the Grand Parade in #Cork. @rtenews pic.twitter.com/RYwSVHSdJk
— Paschal Sheehy (@PaschalSheehy) January 31, 2015
The issue is distribution not scarcity #Right2Water pic.twitter.com/UUI8Io4YNW
— Paula Geraghty 🏳️⚧️🇵🇸 (@paulageraghty) January 31, 2015
Huge crowd at #Right2Water protest in Letterkenny. Speaker demanding a revolution among others, raising expectations. pic.twitter.com/VXI5euvIu3
— Paula Geraghty 🏳️⚧️🇵🇸 (@paulageraghty) January 31, 2015
#Right2Water Waterford. Numbers marching INCREASED on previous marches. pic.twitter.com/OjcnpYESut
— Cormac Leane (@cormacleane) January 31, 2015
Some of the many supporters from Clonmel protesting in Waterford at the moment. #Right2Water pic.twitter.com/HYjezGNGKV
— Séamus Healy (@SeamusHealyTipp) January 31, 2015
Sligo joining hands around the river! United for water #irishwater #right2water pic.twitter.com/UR4DpW604p
— Emma Hendrick (@Emm511) January 31, 2015
