Taoiseach Enda Kenny was heckled and jostled by around 200 protesters last night as he opened the Abbey Community Centre in Loughrea, County Galway.

It’s reported that dozens of Gardai had to protect the Taoiseach during a protest by turf-cutters from

Turf cutters from the Barroughter, Ardraigue and Clonmoylan Bog Action Group as well as representatives from the TCCA organised the picket to coincide with the Taoieach’s visit.

The Taoiseach had been made award of the protest in advance of his visit and had offered to meet with a small delegation to discuss their concerns, however, the invitation was rejected.

It’s reported that the protesters blocked off the road to the Community Centre and the Taoiseach had to walk with a garda escort to the venue, amid shouts of abuse from the demonstrators.