TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady made the comments after 14 people were arrested in Wicklow for peacefully protesting against the roll out of the water metering programme which is costing over €540 million.
He said: "The state has forcefully pursued the Irish Water agenda, with Gardaí and private security firms in tow.
-- Advertisement --
"Last year across the state, over 188 ordinary citizens were arrested for opposing the installation of water meters, some of which are being installed by companies who have friends in high places.
"Last year at a similar protest in Wicklow, 17 people were arrested by a force of over 30 Gardaí. The irony here is due to cut backs, Wicklow Town has no Community Garda, yet Garda resources are being squandered in standing around holes in the footpath.
"Would those resources not be better spent protecting the communities from the crime gangs that are terrorising and murdering people in our communities?"
(CD)
