More than 6,000 people protest against water charges in Limerick

Hundreds of Irish Water application forms have been burned following a protest march in Limerick.

An estimated 6,000 protestors took part in the march, which was organised by the Anti Austerity Alliance (AAA).

A number of local politicians included the Cathaoirleach of Limerick and City Council Fine Fail Cllr Kevin Sheahan took part in the March, which took over an hour to pass through Limerick city centre.

Protestors gathered at Merchant’s Quay were asked to throw their Irish Water applications forms into a giant barrel, which was set alight on the steps of City Hall following the march.

Numerous banners saying “We Won’t Pay” and “Not a Penny for Enda Kenny” were carried by the protestors, many of whom have vowed not to pay the water charges.

In his address to the crowed Cllr Cian Prendiville said AAA was seeking the complete abolishment of water charges and claimed the movement was the “at the beginning and not the end”.

He also said any attempts by Irish Water to reduce people’s pressure as a result of non- payment would be strongly resisted.

There was loud chanting and cheering as the forms were burned in what was descried as a “Halloween cauldron”.

The barrel with painted with red lettering representing blood said “We won’t pay”.

Some of the protestors wore Halloween masks while one man wearing a Michael Noonan mask was dressed as the Grim Reaper.

Meanwhile, the Cathaoirleach of Limerick City and County Cllr Sheahan, who insisted he was there in a personal capacity, called for the abolishment of Irish Water.

“Limerick City, Limerick County there’s a lot of Clare people here. I hope Dublin are listening to us because there is a revolt here against the water charges,” he said.

"Irish Water Ltd has been handled incorrectly from the very beginning. The idea that they would pay themselves bonuses before we have good water flowing into every house is a most aggressive assault on the people of Ireland. We can't take it. We won't take it. " he said.