Updated 16:30

A PROTEST AGAINST the arrests of anti-water charge activists during the week took place in Tallaght today.

It was organised by community groups against water charges including TD Paul Murphy.

Murphy was arrested early on Monday morning and was among the first of 20 protesters to be arrested throughout the week.

The arrests were in connection with last November’s Jobstown protest that targeted Joan Burton. The Tánaiste was trapped in her car for hours and was hit with a water balloon thrown by a protester.

Gardaí have received criticism from left wing groups – and others – over the manner in which the arrests were carried out.

It’s understood that between six and ten gardaí showing up at the homes of people thought to have been involved in the protest.

Socialist TD Joe Higgins said the number of gardaí turning up for the arrests was a clear waste of the force’s resources.