Organisers expect water charge protesters to top 100,000

Organisers of a mass nationwide protest against water charges due to take place on Saturday have said they expect the turnout to exceed 100,000.

Between 50,000 and 100,000 people marched against water charges in Dublin on October 11th in what was one of the largest demonstrations seen in the capital in years. The forthcoming demonstrations will take place in more than 70 locations throughout the Republic.

The Right2Water group said the “extent and diversity” of the events being planned around the country “reflects the level of public anger surrounding water charges”.

“From Ballyshannon in Donegal to Tralee in Kerry, we are witnessing an unprecedented popular mobilisation which started in Dublin on October 11th, and will only end when domestic water user charges are abolished”, said the group.

Richard Boyd Barrett of the People Before Profit Alliance called the protest plans an "unprecedented revolt".

“Water charges and the scandal that is Irish water is simply a step too far,” he said. “Water is a human right for every citizen not something to be bought and sold. And for many, these charges are simply unpayable.”

Clare Daly of the United Left Alliance said "the people's army is on the march" and would not settle for anything less than abolition of the charges.

“We are calling on all citizens to play their part in this, our developing history,” she said. “Find the protest near you and turn out with your family and friends.” She added that the demonstration would dwarf that of October 11th.

Paul Murphy of the Anti-Austerity Alliance said momentum "continues to gather" and that people have been "enormously boosted" by the high levels of activity, meetings and protests across the State.

“The ongoing effective resistance to the water meter installation programme and the mass non-compliance with the Irish Water packs are two massive blows to their agenda,” he said.