The union representing frontline Gardaí says a 'sinister' element of the water protest movement is sharing the names of its officers online.

The Garda Representative Association says in one particular incident - which is under investigation - a member of the public offered money on social media to anyone who could provide the address of a particular member of the force.

The claim comes at the start of the GRA's three day conference in Co Carlow - which will also hear motions calling for pay increases, tasers for Garda units and mandatory sentences for anyone who assaults an officer.

GRA President Dermot O'Brien says identifying officers online is unacceptable - and a sinister development.