Extra gardaí will be on duty in Dublin over the weekend for a Reclaim the Streets (RTS) "street party" planned for Monday, writes Paul Cullen.
A similar event in 2002 led to violent scenes involving riot police and participants, following which charges were brought against seven gardaí. The cases led to one minor conviction and six dismissals. This year, RTS, along with linked organisations Dissent! Ireland and Critical Mass, says it will be highlighting the effects of the G8 group of rich countries. This year's event can be expected to block one of the capital's streets for an impromptu party with live music. However, it is not centrally organised, and the organisers do not provide gardaí with prior information about their movements.
It starts from the Spire in O'Connell Street at 1.30pm.