Braving the rain to support the anti-water charges campaign at Gorey last Saturday afternoon. Pic: Christy Farrell.

Water was free in Gorey last Saturday afternoon, falling freely from the sky by the bucket full, while ironically an estimated 1,200 people were marching in peaceful formation as part of the anti-water charges day of national protest.

It was the second Saturday in succession that an anti-water protest hit the centre of Gorey, but on this occasion the numbers who braved the elements and set out to vent their anger at the Government’s handling of the Irish Water situation, had multiplied considerably.

Independent Mick Wallace, TD, and Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin of Sinn Féin were the only public representatives observed supporting the march which was organised by People Before Profit.

Organiser, Tom Hendy, said he was very pleased at the turnout in appalling conditions.

“This charge is seen by all as just too much for people who cannot give anymore, a great vibrant peaceful march that said no way Gorey won’t pay, and the next big date is a national assembly to surround Dáil Éireann which takes place on December 10.”

Deputy Mick Wallace said it was “an absolute privilege to march with the people of Gorey in a phenomenal display of people power.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin made reference to water problems in the North Wexford region, such as the existence of a black sediment in Hollyfort, yellow water in Kilmuckridge and manganese found in some Gorey town estates.

The march lasted about an hour, leaving the Community School car park and upwards along Esmonde Street and Main Street, turning at the ’98 memorial at McCurtain Street, back along Main Street again before dispersing at Lidl car park on the Arklow Road.

Excellent coverage in THE GOREY ECHO this week.