'Garda presence was unnecessary', say group

The Garda response to yesterday’s Mayday protests outside the Phoenix Park is being criticised as mismanaged and unnecessary.

Twenty-nine people were charged with public order offences following disturbances at the Ashtown Gate entrance to the Park, as anti-globalisation protestors tried to make their way to the meeting of EU heads of state at Farmleigh.

Spokesperson for the Dublin Grassroots Network, Liz Curry said a number of protestors were injured by the unnecessary use of force by the gardaí.

She said a number of people were struck indiscriminately with batons and it was fortunate more were not badly hurt.

“I think they over-reacted. The water cannons were aimed at the entire crowd including the press and people were knocked off walls and people were hit indiscriminately.

“There was no time when the police were actually under any real threat whatsoever.”