Lawyers defend anti water-charge protesters in court

Four anti water charges protesters are potentially facing prison or fines for allegedly entering an exclusion zone around meters being installed in Dublin.

GMC Sierra, the company carrying out the works, alleges that the protesters are in breach of a court order.

The company secured an order stopping protesters coming within 20 metres of water meter installations in Dublin over claims their workers were being harassed.

The company is now looking to potentially imprison or fine four demonstrators who they say are in breach of this order from November 5.

Barrister Jim O'Callaghan cites nine events and claim to have video evidence to prove the protesters are in contempt.

He said in sworn statements none of the four denied breaching the exclusion zone.

Because he says the facts are not in dispute, he is opposing a request by the protesters to be allowed cross-examine GMC Sierra's witnesses.

Patrick McGrath for the protesters says they have a right to question GMC Sierra's witnesses - because the sanctions they are facing (namely prison) make these similar to criminal proceedings

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan will decide the issue this afternoon.