The "death of free speech" in Galway was marked by a cortege carrying a coffin last night in protest over proposed new city council by-laws.
The draft new anti-litter by-laws stipulate that anyone holding a public meeting or religious service involving more than 100 people will have to seek written permission from the city council.
Buskers and film-makers are also covered by the new legislation, and other activities such as swimming, skateboarding, kite-flying, roller-skating and angling can only take place in "designated" areas. Advertising material cannot be distributed in a public place, with the only exception to this being election and referendum material.
The draft laws have been opposed by an umbrella group of non-governmental organisations, community groups and members of political parties entitled Defend Free Speech and Assembly (DFSAA).
Dr Sean Ó Domhnaill, chairman of the environmental organisation Cáirde na Gaillimhe, said the draft by-laws represented "the most insidious threat to democracy and civil liberty" in Galway.
