€100k garda bill for bridge protest

Taxpayers are being hit with a bill of more than €100,000 as extra gardaí have been drafted in to police a six-week long protest over the building of a new bridge in Kilkenny city.

Building of the multi- million euro bridge over the river Nore, know as the Central Access Scheme (CAS), began on June 27, but protests by community groups have increased since then with a peaceful presence at the site there 24-hours a day seven days a week.

Garda costs are expected to spiral even further as building continues.