A Reclaim the Streets protest march has attracted upwards of 1,000 people in Dublin today. The group met at St Stephen¿s Green shopping centre at 2.30pm and made their way to Baggot Street where a street party was held.
Today's demonstration was called to mark European Car-Free Day. Gardaí directed traffic away from the area as performers entertained the demonstrators.
The march protesters took a conscious decision not to liaise with authorities ahead of the march.
Today's event comes as a Garda investigation into the force's response to a similar demonstration last May nears completion. There were 24 arrests and Garda baton charges left a dozen people needing medical treatment at the event on May 1st last.
The head of the inquiry, assistant commissioner Mr Tony Hickey, told The Irish Times last week that the report on the incident would be completed by early October, if not sooner.
It will then be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will decide whether members of the Garda face charges. It is known that the report will recommend prosecutions in some cases.