Thousands in city protest march over water charges

The estimate of protestors who braved heavy downpours on the streets of Galway last Saturday to voice their disquiet at water charges ranged from 2,500 to 10,000.

“A carnival of resistance,” is how Dette McLoughlin of the organisers Right2Water Galway described the atmosphere at the rally which featured Mrs Brown, poetry readings and a humorous song to Enda Kenny, courtesy of community actor Riona Hughes.

The protest kicked off at the Spanish Arch at 1pm where a ‘barbecue’ of the Irish Water application packs took place. Initially the group marching through the town numbered in the region of 1,500 but according to the organisers grew to an estimated 4,000 as it marched through the streets, where it was joined by shoppers and bystanders.

By the time it reached Eyre Square, organisers claimed up to 10,000 had gathered, with groups from across Connemara and beyond, though other estimates placed the crowd at considerably less than that. It was one of 100 throughout the country, with as many as 100,000 said to have taken part nationally.

The rain did keep many at bay, including one man who paid for the leading banner in memory of his mother who died aged 100 a fortnight ago.

“It was certainly the biggest protest in recent years, the weather was unfortunate as many elderly and wheelchair-bound people had to send their apologies which was a real shame,” said Dette McLoughlin.

“Our youngest protestor was six weeks old, which shows that this issue affects everyone from the cradle to the grave. They were there because they know this is wrong. There was a real sense of community spirit, some of the costumes, puppets and placards were so inventive.

“While it was fun to be there, there was a real resolute atmosphere and the message was really, really clear aimed at the Government – abolish water charges, dissolve Irish Water and don’t dare privatise our water.”

Ms McLoughlin was MC at the rally and speakers included Sean Byrne or the We Won’t Pay campaign, Suzanne Daly of Right2Water Galway, with poetry from Sarah Clancy, Anne Irwin and music from Queen Elvis.

The next national event planned in the campaign is outside the Dáil on December 10, with campaigners subsidising buses for those who wish to attend.

“We have to up the pressure, we can’t allow this to continue. In January the meters are going to be turned on. There is a real feeling out there we can win this campaign together and start reclaiming what we’ve lost over the last six years.”