Gardaí tread softly as carnival mood takes hold in city centre

UP to 1,000 anti-car protesters caused traffic chaos in parts of Dublin yesterday as gardaí took a soft approach to a Reclaim the Streets protest.

After a street party in the centre of the city, the protesters made their way through Bank Holiday traffic for a second impromptu stop on the main route from the north.

Gardaí decided on a low-key policing plan after last year's May Day Monday disturbances, when dozens of people were arrested after clashes on Dame Street. Seven gardaí were also charged with assaults following that protest.