Four Dublin water protesters have been jailed for flagrantly breaching court orders not to interfere with or harass water meter installations.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan imposed 28 day sentences on 3 protesters Bernie Hughes of McKelvey Avenue, Finglas; Michael Batty of Edenmore Avenue, Raheny; and Derek Byrne of Streamville Road, Donaghmede.

He put a stay on Mr Batty's sentence as he is out of the country.

He imposed 56 day sentences on Damien O'Neill of Greenwood Park in Coolock; Paul Moore of Mount Olive Grove in Kilbarrack, who were previously found guilty of contempt.

The judge said protests are the 'bedrock of a democratic society' but in his view the demonstrations filmed in Dublin 7 last December were 'cowardly' and 'unfair' to workers employed by GMC Sierra to install water meters.

Supporters say they will march this evening from the GPO to Mountjoy prison.

Audrey Clancy spoke outside court: