The Environment Minister Alan Kelly has branded bomb threats made in a phone-call to his Tipperary office "shocking, appalling and disgraceful".

Shortly after 9am this morning a female member of staff at the Nenagh office of Mr Kelly took a call from a woman.

It is alleged the woman was abusive from the outset, and made several threats regarding bombs and locations.

Mr Kelly and his staff have given detailed statements about the incident to gardaí in Nenagh and an investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, almost 100 protestors have gathered in Limerick at an event involving the Finance Minister Michael Noonan.

The crowd have been chanting anti water charge slogans outside the Absolute Hotel on Sir Harry's Mall.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says the government will take whatever precautions are necessary to ensure ministers can get on with their job.

Ms Fitzgerald says she does not believe that the response of gardaí to the recent incidents is heavy-handed.