Gardaí have speculated that between 50 and 60,000 people may attend tomorrow’s protest against austerity measures organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Garda Superintendent John Gilligan said that many elements including the weather could influence the turnout.

Garda representatives said earlier that while they hope tomorrow's protest march in Dublin will be dignified and peaceful, they are alert and prepared for the possibility of trouble.

Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said the vast majority of those who will attend are law abiding but there are groups of people who may seek to exploit the protest for their own ends.

SIPTU General Secretary Jack O'Connor said there is no possibility of things getting out of hand at tomorrow's national rally.

He said it will be a peaceful march. They will march to the GPO because it is a symbol of our sovereignty, he added.

The officer in charge of policing tomorrow's event said a policing plan has been put in place, which aims to prevent any disruption at the demonstration.

Chief Supt Michael O'Sullivan said the plan is focussed on crowd safety.

He warned that the gardaí will gather evidence of any unlawful or criminal behaviour which might occur, with the intention of bringing those responsible before the courts.

Gardaí say they will seek to keep people and traffic moving in the city centre to ensure the safety of everyone involved and facilitate a peaceful march.

They say with so many people on the streets they are also concerned about the potential danger of a crowd surge or crush.

They are asking that everyone obey the instructions from the ICTU stewards and the gardaí.

Protesters will assemble at Winetavern Street on the South Quays - then cross the Liffey and make their way along the North Quays to O'Connell Street before turning left to the GPO.

Traffic restrictions will be in place in Dublin city centre

Chambers Ireland has stressed that the city centre would be open to business, but warned the march would do nothing to maintain jobs.

Many observers will view both the turnout and the conduct at the march as an indicator of the Irish public's attitude to the austerity measures which lie ahead.