188 water protesters arrested in 12 months

Gardai have arrested 188 people at water protests within the last year — including six for assault and four for weapons offences.

The figures come as Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald confirmed the existence of a special Garda intelligence operation on water protesters.

Responding to parliamentary questions from Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy, Ms Fitzgerald said garda figures show that 188 people were arrested at water protests since last November.