The Allies went to the other extreme; their help took the form of positive wilful obstruction.

And wilful obstruction can now expose a witness to being levied with a portion of the State's own legal costs.

However, charges of wilful obstruction and failure to comply with the direction of gardaí were dismissed by Judge Mary Devins.

Councillors could adopt, amend or replace elements of those plans but no sanctions were provided if they engaged in wilful obstruction.

She learned last week that she will be prosecuted for breaching a police order on public assemblies and wilful obstruction of the highway.