Injunctions stopping nine anti-water charge protesters obstructing the installation of meters in North Dublin have been reinstated.

GMC Sierra, a company employed by Bord Gais to install water meters, came to court last month complaining that their workers were being harassed, intimidated and even assaulted by protesters in North Dublin.

Temporary orders were put in place stopping demonstrators from interfering with the works.

The orders were dropped against nine protesters last week when they came to court and gave undertakings not to obstruct meters being installed.

In the meantime, there were allegations by GMC Sierra that the orders were breached and today the injunctions were reinstated against the nine with their consent. If they do not comply with the court's directions they could face jail.

This development comes after gardaí made 12 arrests at a water charges protest in Raheny two days ago.