Irish protesters raps water charges plan

Tens of thousands have taken to streets of Dublin to protest against water charges recently introduced by the Irish government.

More than 30,000 people took part in Wednesday’s demo held peacefully at Merrion Square, according to police.

However, Right2Water, a group campaigning against the policy, put its estimate much higher at about more than 100,000.

The protesters said they would continue the campaign until the government scraps the plan.

Gerry Adams, the leader of Irish republican political party, Sinn Féin, addressed the crowd at the demo, where the protesters carried banners, reading “Enough is Enough” and “We Won’t Pay.”

There were reports of scuffles at the demo with one saying an Irish cop sustained an eye injury near Kildare Street, where the protesters apparently threw objects at police forces.

Irish Environment Minister Paudie Coffey said the government had no decision to change its policy on water charges despite the demo.

In July, the Commission for Energy Regulation announced direct charges on households as an austerity measure.

The Right2Water Campaign is calling for the decision on water charges to be scrapped, a demand which is backed by left-wing opposition parties as well as trade unions.