Thousands of anti-water charge protesters have staged a demonstration in Dublin.

Despite the recent suspension of the levy, the Right2Water organisation has insisted it will press ahead with its campaign for full abolition.

Spokesman Brendan Ogle said there was a misconception the issue had gone away.

He said: “We don’t see it like that at all.”

Right2Water is backed by trade unions including Mandate, Unite, the Communication Workers’ Union, power union the TEEU and the Civil and Public Services Union.

Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, the Anti-Austerity Alliance and the Workers’ Party also support the movement.

Earlier this year, the controversial water charges were suspended for at least nine months.

The Government has ordered an independent review into Irish Water, set up to oversee the service and charges.

Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan said: “We have marched in the sun, in the rain and through the wind to drum home our demand. Yet it continues to fall upon deaf ears.

“The message has never been ambiguous or hard to work out.

“Abolition of water charges is the loud, clear and unequivocal demand of the Irish people.”

“For our part, on Tuesday September 28th, Sinn Féin will bring a motion before the Dáil calling for the abolition water charges. It is co-signed by Right2Water supporting TDs.

“Let’s see then if Micheal Martin and his Fianna Fáil TDs will put their votes where their mouths are.

“There can be no more ifs, buts or maybes.

“The Government must scrap water charges and abolish Irish Water.”