A leading Sinn Féin TD has issue a plea for the immediate release of the so called ‘Wicklow 2’ protesters of Eamon McGrath and Seán Doyle, who are currently being held in custody for recent Irish Water protests in Kilcoole.
The Sinn Fein TD John Brady, who is based in Co Wicklow, has called for the mens immediate release after he and a number of delegates visited them in Cloverhill prison has yesterday morning.
In a statement on Sinn Fein’s website Deputy Brady said:
“Eamon McGrath and Seán Doyle are in good spirits, despite having been jailed for almost two weeks. These men, who are in their sixties, are determined – they have taken a stand and will not allow their stint behind bars to weaken their resolve.
“It is disgraceful that the water metering programme continues, despite most elected TDs in Leinster House being against water charges. If the programme was to stop, these men could be out of prison immediately.
“They are well aware that the water metering programme is just a stepping stone to the eventual privatisation of this natural resource. Sinn Féin are in full support of the abolition of the programme and strongly oppose this privatisation agenda. Our Private Members Motion signed by 39 Right2Water TDs next week will put it to up to all those who opposed water charges to show their true colours and support the scrapping of Irish Water and water charges for good.
“It is ludicrous that the installation of water meters is continuing even when the government have tasked a commission to examine the regime. Eamon McGrath and Seán Doyle will be back before courts on Tuesday. We’re calling for their immediate release. We are also urging members of the public to join the ‘Free the Wicklow 2’ March to Cloverhill Prison which leaves from Cherry Orchard Hospital at 2pm this afternoon.”
The two men aged in their 60’s have been remanded in custody for the past two weeks after they were part of group that formed a blockade at a depot being used to store Irish Water materials.