In a move that is likely to fuel public anger against water charges even further, four people have been jailed for breaching court orders relating to interfering with water meter installations works.
Mr Justice Paul Gilligan imposed a 28-day sentences on three protesters; Bernie Hughes of McKelvey Avenue, Finglas; Michael Batty of Edenmore Avenue, Raheny; and Derek Byrne of Streamville Road, Donaghmede.
He put a stay on Mr Batty’s sentence, as he is currently abroad.
The judge then imposed 56-day sentences on Damien O’Neill of Greenwood Park, Coolock, and Paul Moore of Mount Olive Grove in Kilbarrack. Both men were previously found guilty of contempt.
On passing sentence, the judge said that protests are the “bedrock of a democratic society”, but the way he saw the demonstrations filmed in Dublin 7 last December were “cowardly” and “unfair” to Irish Water workers.
There will be a march in Dublin this evening from the GPO to Mountjoy prison in support of these men.