Thousands gather for anti-Government protest

Thousands of protestors are gathering in Dublin ahead of a major demonstration against the Government's austerity measures.

The protest, organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, is starting at the civic offices on Wood Quay and will make its way to the GPO where a rally will take place.

Around 700 gardaí have been deployed to police the demonstration, but organisers say it will be a non-violent march, and have also supplied stewards to keep the peace.

Organisers estimate that between 50-60,000 protestors will turn out, though last night's snowfall may reduce numbers.