Security increases around Dáil ahead of planned protests

Security has been increased around Government Buildings today, with a number of Budget protests getting underway outside.

At the moment, a cherry-picker machine that has been parked outside the gates of Leinster House has been disabled.

The vehicle is displaying a number of signs and placards attacking politicians and the banking sector.

The control panel is sealed off, preventing gardaí from bringing the protester back to ground.

Authorities are preparing for a day of demonstrations, with left- wing groups, students and community organisations all planning to picket the area.

Security is tight, with crash barriers and crowd control plans in place at Leinster House and also Government Buildings.

A spokesman for the Oireachtas said that there is no problem accessing the complex, and it is business as usual for now.