Charges dropped against TD Joan Collins over water charges protest

The charges against Independent TD Joan Collins over her involvement in a public protest over water charges last year have been dropped.

Collins, who was among 10 others to be charged with a public order offence, had her case dismissed upon request from her lawyers in the District Court this afternoon. The Dublin South-Central TD was arrested following her involvement in a demonstration at the site of a water meter installation on Parnell Road, near Kilmainham.

The charges brought against her based around her refusal to vacate the area in a peaceful and orderly manner under the request of Gardaí. Collins was highly critical of the charges brought against her, saying that the case was a 'waste of taxpayers money'.

Judge Aeneas McCarthy ruled that there was not enough sufficient evidence provided by the state. The charges brought against the other 10 defendants have also been dropped.