Hundreds of anti-water charges protesters have assembled outside a Sligo hotel where the Taoiseach is attending an event this evening.

The crowd has gathered outside the Sligo Park Hotel in Sligo town, with estimates of the crowd size ranging from 300-400.

A scrum formed around Enda Kenny's car as he arrived at around half-seven, with some protesters leaping onto his car. The protest had been peaceful until that point.

The vehicle was kicked and struck, as Gardai struggled to hold the crowd back.

The protest comes after a crowd of protesters blocked Tánaiste Joan Burton from leaving an event in Jobstown, Tallaght for two hours on Saturday. Protesters surrounded Burton’s car and gardai had to evacuate the Labour party leader from the area. The scenes have caused controversy, with many politicians arguing over if the actions were acceptable or appropriate.

The Taoiseach said earlier today that what happened in Jobstown was “disgraceful”.

Updated: 20.37