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SENIOR GARDAÍ ARE to meet with Oireachtas officials today to discuss a security review following a protest outside Leinster House yesterday that saw thirteen arrested and charged.
Around 200 protesters attended the demonstration, bearing signs and banners featuring anti-immigration slogans, as well as an imitation gallows with photos of politicians.
Later, TDs leaving the Oireachtas had to be escorted out in their cars by gardaí after being told to remain in the complex for safety reasons.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee condemned the demonstration in a series of posts to X, formerly known as Twitter, in which she called the scenes “disgraceful”.
“I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and the Superintendent in Pearse Street about the disgraceful scenes outside Leinster House yesterday,” she said.
“While we will always protect the right to peaceful protest, what we saw yesterday was the intimidation and threatening of elected representatives and members of An Garda Síochána doing their work on behalf of the people and the State. This has no place in our democracy.
“An Garda Síochána will fully engage with the Oireachtas as part of a review of security around the Leinster House campus.”
It was confirmed late last night that the thirteen – 11 men and 2 women – had been charged, and that two had already appeared before the courts over the protest.
Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Jerry Buttimer told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that he believes the area around Leinster House, including Pearse Street, Kildare Street and Molesworth Street, should be safe for government staff and reporters.
“There should be a sterile area where members of the Oireachtas and staff can move freely in and out,” he said.
“But also that the persons who wish to make a protest and voice a concern about an issue can do so, and they have a legitimate right to do so.”
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Heya! The Ballinamore Free Fringe is on in Leitrim this weekend too! Music, Comedy and Improv!
Dunmore East, Waterford…
this weekend,
The first of three nights in a row of Councillors Outside Cinema takes place on the Strand – at 8pm it’s The Goonies followed by Stand by Me at 10pm. Saturday night sees Finding Nemo at 8pm and The beach at 10pm while Sunday night it’s The Jungle book from 8pm. The viewings are weather permitting, and cost €10 per adult and €5 per child. Bring something warm to sit on. On Saturday you can catch a demo on how to make Ginger Beer in Azzuro from 1.30pm at a cost of €5, also for €5 there’s seaweed foraging on Councillors strand from 4.30pm, and there’s a free bee-keeping talk in the Lemontree at 2.30pm. The Saturday Market runs from 4pm until 10pm on the Park Road, where you can sample the finest of local produce. Sunday sees an all day farmers market on the Park Road from 10am to 5pm. Waterford GIY will host a spud-off competition for adults and kids in the Park from 11am which is free to attend – the idea is to find the tastiest spud of 2015 and kids are asked to turn up with their best potato head creation. You’ll catch free cookery demos in the Park from midday with The Lemontree Restaurant and local fishmonger Tony Kelly and the big event Sunday is the Picnic and Play in the Park between 1pm and 4pm – which is a free afternoon of family entertainment.
The weekend comes to a close in the Strand in from 6pm Sunday evening where there’s a BBQ for €15 a head, and free entry to a DJ set from Tony Legend.
It’s fun, it’s free and it’s all over Ireland. Visit parkrun.ie for details of over 30 free, weekly, timed 5k runs all over the country. All you have to do is register once, it won’t cost a cent, and bring your printed barcode to any parkrun (there are hundreds in the UK and it is spreading worldwide). All community-based and entirely volunteer-run.
Carrickmacross Arts Festival in Co.Monaghan all weekend check out their Facebook page
Hip hop legends The Jungle Brothers will be playing in the Sugar Club in Dublin…. Check them out if your around Stephens Green.
*TONIGHT
The Craft Beer & Roots Festival is the place to be in Co. Clare this weekend. Held in Hotel Doolin on the West coast of the Banner County.
Anything on in Wicklow???
Charlie Chaplin Film Festival in Waterville, Co Kerry.
FREE family fun day, artisan food & blues festival in The Mall, Castlebar, co. Mayo to celebrate the 20th anniversary of local community radio station CRC FM. takes place on Sunday from noon
Any recommendations fir Sligo..? Hoping for sun anyway
Lee Berger : warriors run on in Sligo http://www.warriorsfestival.com/
The warriors run / festival is on tomorrow in Strandhill, if the sun makes an appearance it’ll be a good day out! https://www.facebook.com/TheWarriorsFestival
Cork Heritage Open Day runs tomorrow. Over 40 buildings open, great buzz in the city centre, and it is free.
ukulele festival in people’s park dun laoire this Sunday
Check out http://www.dublineventguide.com for free events in Dublin
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