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

A judge has ruled they breached court orders to stay 20 metres away from water meter installation works.

The case was brought by meter installers GMC Sierra who say their employees have experienced a campaign of harassment and intimidation since last summer.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan imposed 28 day sentences on three 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 earlier found there was insufficient evidence against two other protesters.

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.

There were shouts from supporters of "no way we won't pay" as the protesters were led away to prison.

Supporters outside the court today. Image: Francesca Comyn

Around 100 anti-water charges protesters converged outside the GPO in Dublin this evening.

A small number of them sat down on O'Connell St - which caused disruption to rush-hour traffic. They then took part in a march to Mountjoy Prison.

AA Roadwatch is reporting minor delays in the city as a result of the demonstration.

Demonstrators are now on Dorset Street inbound with minor delays on approach.

Water protesters in Dublin this afternoon. Photo: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Audrey Clancy spoke outside court:

Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy says it's important to remember the protesters were "not jailed for assault... not jailed for intimidation... not jailed for abusive language":

AAA Councillor Michael O’Brien said in a statement that “these jailings will not deter people from protesting against the installation of water meters and will be met with a firm response by the communities and the anti-water charges movement.”

Lydia is a supporter of the protesters, and she spoke to The Right Hook this evening. She said protesters "understand that something like sitting down on O'Connell Street is incredibly inconvenient, but they need people to pay attention at this stage".

Bernie Hughes spoke to reporters before entering the court today: