Thousands protest at threat to community services

THOUSANDS of community workers took to the streets of Dublin in protest at proposed cuts they say will undermine essential community services.

The crowd, estimated by gardaí and organisers at between 8,000 and 12,000, marched from Parnell Square to the gates of Leinster House protesting against proposed cuts to community employment schemes and other threatened reductions in resources.

Addressing the crowd on Molesworth Street, president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Jack O’Connor said the gathering “will be the first of many thousands who will assemble in these streets”.