Water charges protest in Dublin this afternoon

Demonstrators will take to the streets of Dublin today to protest against the water charges.

Demonstrators are being asked to wear blue and a petition to abolish the water charges has topped 35,000 signatures.

The demonstration will begin at 2pm this afternoon at the Garden of Remembrance.

"Many, many people are in a position where they simply cannot pay it," said Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin, who will be attending the protest.

"But those of us who believe – as I firmly believe – that it is completely unforgivable of this Government to heap another charge such as this on struggling households, should be out on the streets."