Water meter installer claims more harassment by protesters

Protester scaled wall and jumped into a workstation, court hears

GMC Sierra, a company installing water meters in Dublin, has claimed before the High Court there have been several more breaches of court orders restraining harassment of its workers.

The company has secured permission to bring contempt proceedings against another four individuals opposed to water charges who have allegedly breached orders previously granted.

Tomás Keys, for GMC, said there has been several more breaches of orders, including an order establishing 20 metre exclusion zones around meter installation works.

One protester had scaled a wall and jumped into a workstation where GMC had been installing a water meter, counsel said.

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Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted the company permission to serve short notice of proceedings on the individuals concerned.

The judge returned the matter to next Wednesday when the company intends to proceed with contempt applications against several others also alleged in breach of court orders, are due to be heard.

Some of those who are alleged to be in contempt want Wednesday’s proceedings stayed until separate High Court concerning their entitlement to legal aid have been determined.

GMC Sierra Ltd previously secured injunctions preventing various individuals and anyone with notice of the orders assaulting, intimidating or interfering with workers installing water meters.

The court was told workers had been harassed, obstructed, assaulted and threatened while installing meters in the Dublin 5 and Dublin 13 areas.

Earlier this month, the company secured an additional order establishing exclusions zones around its work stations after an alleged escalation of alleged unlawful activity by protesters.

Lawyers for the protesters allegedly in contempt said they deny any wrongdoing and contend they are protesting in a lawful and peaceful manner.