No May Day violence expected says O'Donoghue
Thursday, 29 April 2004 22:39
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, has said he does not anticipate any violent protests at the May Day celebrations.
Celebrations are taking place this weekend to mark the accession of ten countries to the EU.
Speaking on RTÉ radio, Mr O'Donoghue added that protesters normally do not target fringe celebratory events.
He said he does not expect any difficulties with the celebrations in Dublin, where a big security operation will take place, or elsewhere across the country.
Gardaí prepare for protests
Yesterday, Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy said he expected that up to 300 international protesters might attempt to cause disturbances at the celebrations in Dublin.
In a separate development, it has been reported that a prison wing, which accommodates up to 100 prisoners in Dublin's Cloverhill jail, has been cleared in case large numbers of protesters are detained during Saturday's demonstrations.
According to a report in the Irish Times, prisoners have been transferred to Wheatfield Prison in recent days.
Special sittings at the prison's courthouse are also reported to be planned.
- 6.1 News: Sinéad Crowley reports on preparations for the May Day celebrations around the country
- Prime Time: Minister for Europe Dick Roche and Kieran Allen of Trinity College discuss the security measures
- Prime Time: Ken O'Shea reports on the security measures put in place ahead of the EU accession celebrations
- 1 News: Sinéad Crowley reports on the publicity campaign ahead of the 'Another Europe Is Possible' march and carnival being planned for Saturday
- News At One: John O'Donoghue, Minister for Tourism, and Rory Hearne of 'Another Europe is Possible' discuss the various events and demonstrations planned for 1 May
- 9 News: Sinéad Crowley reports on the security in place for May Day
