Gardai were called to a demonstration against the installation of water meters in Portlaoise this morning.

It happened at Woodgrove on the Ballyfin Road in the town.

Residents were protesting when engineers arrived to install water meters in the estate.

The engineers left with the intention of returning tomorrow. No arrests were made.

It follows similar protest in Cork, where residents of Ashbrook Heights - along with those in the neighbouring 'Palmbury' estate - placed blockades at the entrance.

Gardai were called to Ashbrook Heights last month, after up to 100 parents and children prevented Irish Water contractors from gaining access to the estate.

While those living at Watermill Drive in Raheny in Dublin also staged similar protests to stop workers from installing the meters.