International Women's Day is being marked today around the country by protests and 'social strikes' over abortion provision in Ireland.
'Strike4Repeal' urged women to wear black to work and organise lunchtime walkouts.
Large crowds gathered to demonstrate at O'Connell Bridge in Dublin city centre, with Gardaí earlier this afternoon saying the bridge was 'impassable'.
Image: Andrew Holohan
The group's spokesperson Avril Corroon said that actions are taking place today in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Waterford, Meath and other counties.
"What Strike4Repeal will demonstrate is that we are tired of waiting, and won't wait anymore," she observed.
"The government needs to set a date for a referendum on the Eighth amendment immediately.”
In Dublin, demonstrators are also picketing outside the Department of Justice and Department of the Taoiseach.
Getting set up at the Department of Justice. #Strike4Repeal pic.twitter.com/dMHSKFT5Rj
— Strike 4 Repeal (@Strike_4_Repeal) March 8, 2017
Meanwhile, the Coalition to Repeal the Eighth is staging a protest march through Dublin city centre this evening.
Supporters will assemble at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square from 5.30pm.
The coalition's Ailbhe Smyth hopes the Government listens to what women are saying, explaining that "we’ll be marching to demand that a date is named for a referendum".
