Updated 17:40

The DPP has dropped all charges against 10 people arrested following a water charge protest in Jobstown in Dublin in November 2014.

A charge of criminal damage remains in relation to one man and he is due to appear in court again next month.

The decision comes following the acquittals of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and five others who were accused of falsely imprisoning Joan Burton and her adviser.

A second trial involving six other people was due to start today – with a final trial pencilled in for next April.

This afternoon at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court lawyers for the DPP told the court they were entering a “nolle prosequi” – essentially discontinuing the prosecution against the remaining defendants.

Peter Herbert of Rossfield Park in Jobstown was among the accused and speaking afterwards, he said the decision to drop the charges was a "belated recognition by the DPP that the evidence against us would not stand up in court."

Inconsistencies between Garda testimony and video footage recorded at the scene were pointed out to the jury during the original trial and he reiterated calls for a public inquiry into the entire prosecution:

“The only way we will get answers to these vital questions for civil liberties in this country is to have an independent and public inquiry,” he said.

“We are very disappointed that the government has so far ruled out establishing one.

“Given this latest development, we urge them to do so now.” 

A teenage boy who was tried separately in the District court was found guilty. He is currently appealing the verdict.