A protest is taking place in Galway city this afternoon by groups objecting to proposed litter by-laws that will limit rights to public assembly.
A group calling itself Defend Free Speech, Assembly and Activity (DFSAA), an alliance of community and voluntary groups and political parties, says today is "D-Day" for democracy in the city.
Galway City Council will debate the draft by-laws at its meeting this evening. If the legislation is passed without amendment, anyone holding a public meeting or religious service with more than 100 people will have to seek written permission from the local authority.
In addition, the by-laws will ban the distribution of advertising material in a public place, with the exception of election and referendum material.
Street entertainers such as buskers are also covered by the new legislation, and other activities such as skate-boarding, kite-flying, roller-skating and angling will only be allowed in designated areas.
DSFAA says the laws will violate civil liberties laws, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which confers the right to freedom of opinion and expression and Article 20, which states that everyone has the right to peaceful assembly and association.
The body claims the legislation will also contravene the Constitution, which also gives citizens the right to assemble "peaceably and without arms".
Labour TD for Galway West Mr Michael D Higgins has said he will not be bound by the laws if they are passed, and he plans to speak at a series of public meetings to defy them.
This evening's Galway City Council meeting is at 7 p.m., and the protesters plan to assemble and take part in street entertainment events from 4 p.m.