Water protesters plan more local events ahead of national rally
Water protesters in the county are joining together and gearing up for a series of events, including a guest speakers' night in Cavan Town and a national protest in Dublin.
The Cavan Water Charges Opposition Group organisers say numbers have been growing at their local meetings, ahead of a March 21 gathering in the capital.
The umbrella group is to host a meeting to plan a boycott campaign ahead of the first bills (April 1), which will take place in Cavan Town on March 20. Deputy Paul Murphy (AAA), Right 2 Water, Luke Ming Flanagan MEP and Dr Conor McCabe of UCD's School of Social Justice & Equality will all speak on the evening at The Meadow View Inn on the Dublin Road.
Doors open at 7pm on the night with the meeting starting at 7.30pm at the free event - Cavan TV is live-streaming events on the night.
In Dublin on Tuesday, at a national Right2Water meeting 'we picked up a box of 3,300 leaflets for our Cavan activists to help promote the march,' says Emmett Smith, the Ballyhaise man behind the Cavan Says No campaign.
'The meeting was well attended and everybody who was there took at least one box back to their communities with them,' he said.
A week before, a '#FreeTheFive' solidarity vigil took place outside Bailieborough Garda Station, 'when over 20 people turned up on a bad evening with placards and candles'.
Members of groups from around the county travelled to night-time vigil, which included Garda whistleblower John Wilson.
'After the release of the anti-metering prisoners, the mood at the Right2Water meeting was great, and everyone is determined to show, yet again, that not only have we not gone away, but our numbers are still growing, and we're definitely not backing down. 'No Way, We Won't Pay' was chanted by all in attendance as we wrapped up the meeting and left with our boxes of flyers,' he said.
'We will be in the post office square in Cavan town this weekend handing out flyers again and answering any questions relating to the campaign and the upcoming events.'
Last November, 3,000 peopl marched against the charges and Cavan County Council passed a vote of 'No Confidence' in Irish Water.
The Cavan campaigners will be arranging buses to the March 21st event in Dublin and those interested are advised to get in touch with Emmett Smith through email cavansaysnocampaignpage@gmail.com or via the Facebook page, 'Cavan Says NO'.