A company employed to install water meters in Dublin has secured court orders stopping protesters obstructing the work.

GMC Siera Ltd says employees have been headbutted, punched, intimidated and harassed in recent months.

GMC Siera says employees installing water meters have been subjected to an organised campaign of violence, harassment and intimidation in Raheny, Coolock and Airfield in north Dublin.

The company claims it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

It handed in video evidence apparently showing anti water charge protesters disrupting the installation of meters by stopping diggers, putting feet under jack hammers and by lying in front of work lorries.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy has agreed to grant temporary orders stopping protesters from obstructing the works.

Notice of the orders will be served on some of the demonstrators who will have an opportunity to make their case in court next Wednesday.