Disappointing turnout for protestors

Up to a thousand anti-globalisation protesters marched through Dublin in glorious sunshine today amid tight security in Dublin.

The marchers made their way to Heuston Station, where they staged a series of street theatre events as close as was allowed to the perimeter of Phoenix Park where 25 European heads of state were attending the official EU enlargement ceremony.

Gardaí reported no incidents as fears of early violence during celebrations proved groundless.

A group of less than 150 protesters staged the first May Day protest earlier when they marched through the city centre.

The protest, organised by the Another Europe is Possible group, was expected to draw thousands of marchers but organisers were left disappointed by the turnout.

Rory Herne told the demonstrators the new EU must be changed.

“We are marching against the growing militarisation of the EU,” he said.

“We oppose the racism that is at the heart of this European Union project.”

Gardaí said while the protest had caused minor traffic disruption, it passed off peacefully.

Dublin was on high alert throughout the day as more than 5,000 police and other service personnel were deployed on the streets amid concerns of violent protests and May Day mayhem.

The arrival of 25 heads of state prompted one of the largest security operations ever mounted by the State.

The total security bill for the day is expected to reach up to €4m.

Threats of violence from international protesters have forced emergency services, police and the army to take drastic measures to prevent trouble.

Gardaí were backed up by 2,500 members of the military.

Naval forces based in Dublin Bay patrolled off the coast while the Air Corps patrolled around Dublin airport to keep expected trouble-makers under surveillance. There were also heightened checks at border crossings.

Some 500 troops in riot gear were on stand-by in the city centre.

Bomb-disposal units will also be ready for action alongside nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological teams.

About 100 prisoners have been transferred from a wing in Cloverhill prison, Dublin, to free up cells to cope with any increased arrivals over the weekend.

Meanwhile, locals were urged not to visit A&E departments unnecessarily, and at least nine city hospitals have established contingency plans to cope with a potential influx.