GARDAI CALLED AS PROTESTORS DISRUPT CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Date Published: 09-Jan-2012

A meeting of Galway City Council had to be adjourned for a time this evening after a number of protestors stormed the Council Chamber.

The protest got underway around 3p.m. organised by the United Left Alliance branch in Galway against the household charge.

Shouting "can’t pay, won’t pay" more than 50 men, women and children criticised the Council representatives for allowing the Budget to be passed.

Deputy Mayor, Ollie Crowe attempted to convene the meeting but many Councillors complained that it was impossible to hold a meeting with such activity outside the door.

Several members of the public who were seated in the gallery began to shout at the Deputy Mayor and when they were asked to leave, a scuffle ensued and the protestors outside stormed the Chamber lifting chairs into the air.

Officials from the Council attempted to close the doors again assisted

by up to 20 Gardai.

The protestors continued to shout and chant once removed from the Chamber under the watchful eye of the Gardai.

Back inside the Chamber, Councillor Michael Crowe said that several of the protestors should be arrested and referred to the behaviour of the protestors as despicable.

After 15 minutes of an adjournment, the meeting resumed and is continuing.