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Water charges: 80 protests planned across Republic of Ireland Water charges: Almost 100 protests across Republic of Ireland
(about 3 hours later)
Campaigners opposed to the introduction of water charges in the Republic of Ireland are to stage protests later. Campaigners opposed to the introduction of water charges in the Republic of Ireland are staging almost 100 separate protests across the state.
Up to 80 marches are expected to take place across the country. More than 20 of the demonstrations are being held in Dublin, against charges that were introduced last month.
More than 20 of the planned protests will be held in Dublin. The controversial austerity measure is a key part of the government's plan to pay back the international financial bailout the state had to seek in 2010.
The charges were brought in a month ago, with households due to receive the first water bills in January 2015. Tens of thousands of people marched through Dublin in October to show their opposition. Households are due to receive their first water bills in January 2015.
Some of the hundreds of people attending a protest in Ringsend, Dublin, told the BBC they do not believe they should pay charges for something that is already free and paid for out of general taxation.
Other protesters said they were opposed to the bonus culture in Irish Water - the company established last month to provide the service.
The Fine Gael/Labour coalition government is clearly worried about the scale of opposition.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) Joan Burton has said the charges will be modest and capped.
It is the second time in weeks that members of the public have staged mass protests over the controversial government policy.
Last month, tens of thousands of people marched through Dublin to show their opposition.