The Tánaiste's car was blocked for more than two hours by anti-water charge demonstrators in West Dublin this afternoon.

Joan Burton had been invited to attend a graduation ceremony at An Cosan on the Cloonmore Road.

She was initially met by a peaceful protest, which quickly escalated into tense scenes.

Crowds of up to a thousand people were blocking the road.

A large Garda presence was at the scene and the Tanaiste eventually managed to get away shortly before 4pm.

A spokesman for the Minister said there was no comment on the protests, explaining that "the Tánaiste was in Tallaght to attend a graduation ceremony for students of higher education programmes at An Cosan, for whom this was a very special day, and nothing should be allowed to overshadow their achievements."

Newstalk's Zara King was at the scene in Jobstown this afternoon:

Joan Burton spoke to Newstalk earlier this week about the water charges. You can listen back here.

Originally posted at 14:54