Updated at 11am
MOTORISTS IN DUBLIN city centre are being advised to expect traffic restrictions this afternoon, ahead of a major demonstration against water charges.
The rally is the fifth major protest day organised by Right2Water, the umbrella anti-charges group made up of community organisations, unions and left-wing political parties.
Marchers will be gathering at Heuston and Connolly Stations from around 2pm and proceed to the Spire, where speakers will address the crowd.
This is the latest advice, from AA Roadwatch:
“One set of demonstrators will begin outside Heuston Station at 2pm and travel to the GPO on O’Connell St via St John’s Rd West and along the North Quays.
“The second group will congregate at Connolly Station on Amiens St at approx 2:30pm and will walk from there onto Memorial Bridge before turning right onto the South Quays and will walk along the Quays before turning left onto Capel St Bridge.
“They are then expected to join with the group travelling from Heuston and will travel along the North Quays as far as the GPO on O’Connell St.
Gardai will be implementing rolling road closures throughout the afternoon. O’Connell St will be closed to traffic from 2pm until approx 5pm both ways between The North Quays and Henry St jct.
Speaking during the week, Brendan Ogle of the Unite trade union said that in keeping with the atmosphere at the other protests it would be a family-friendly event.
And referring to sometimes violent protests that broke out at city centre locations after previous events, he insisted that anyone intent on causing trouble should stay at home.
“If you’re so angered that you can’t control yourself stay away.”
Local Dublin anti-charges groups are organising ‘feeder’ marches from a number of locations, linking up with the main processions.
Buses to Dublin from as far away as Tralee and West Donegal are also being scheduled.
Organisers have said they’re expecting tens of thousands of people to turn out for today’s protest.
There will also be road closures around the Aviva Stadium on the southside, as Ireland take on Wales in rugby at 2.30pm.
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