Huge crowds are expected at a major demonstration against water charges today.

The demonstration outside Leinster House will demand that the government abandons its plans for water charges.

Organisers of the demonstration won't put an exact figure on how many people might attend.

But everyone involved in organising it believes a large will gather at Merrion Square to demand that the government drop its controversial plans for domestic water charges - in spite of forecasts for poor weather, and the fact that it's a weekday.

The main part of the demonstration, organised by the Right2Water campaign, runs from 1 to 4 - but a series of smaller stages are being set up afterwards, to accommodate people who may want to attend after work.

The government has been playing it cool, but nonetheless it's taken measures to limit the pressure TDs will be under today.

The Dail sat until well after midnight last night to start approving amendments to the water charges regime - meaning it won't have to hold ANY debates on water today.