‘Horrific’ barriers to remain on Dublin's Grand Canal

Waterways Ireland has refused to provide a timeline for the removal of barriers on the banks of the Grand Canal. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Waterways Ireland has refused to provide a timeline for the removal of barriers on the banks of the Grand Canal in Dublin, saying the cordons act as a “mitigation measure”.

Last week, barriers were erected along stretches of the south Dublin canal, following a multi-agency operation to clear tents housing asylum seekers.

Barriers have also been in place at the International Protection Office on Mount St for several weeks after a long-term encampment was also dismantled.

However, people have continued to pitch tents alongside the Grand Canal, as a shortage of available accommodation for asylum seekers remains.

A spokesperson for Waterways Ireland said there are serious concerns for the health and safety of people camped by the canal, particularly due to the lack of sanitation facilities in the area.

However, the spokesperson did not provide a timeline for how long the barriers would be in place.

“There is serious concern for the health and safety of people staying in tents by the canal, and about the impact of the lack of sanitation facilities,” the spokesperson said.

'Mitigation measure'

“Whilst temporary barriers have been erected as a mitigation measure, access to the towpath and footpath adjacent to the canal is unimpeded.

“Waterways Ireland is continuing to work with multi-agency partners in the best interests of all concerned. For operational reasons, no further comment can be offered at this stage.”

Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon, described the placement of the barriers along the canal as “horrific”, saying it shows how the Government is failing Dublin.

“The barriers on the canal are horrific, both in aesthetic and in the message that it sends out to the city,” Mr Gannon said.

He said the tents gathered on the canal are due to the lack of accommodation provided to newly arrived asylum seekers.

“People will congregate in crowds because that’s where they’re safer.” 

He said that he believed Waterways Ireland is being pressured by the Government to keep the barriers in place, adding that they were a “poor reflection” on the leadership of Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Yesterday, Mr Harris said the State will “absolutely provide shelter” for asylum seekers, but said that it may not be housing.

“They [the public] want us to be honest with people coming to this country about what we can and can’t do. We can absolutely provide shelter but not necessarily housing for people who come here,” he said.

“We can absolutely use State land to provide people with access to sanitation and help people who are fleeing persecution, but we also have to be truthful in relation to what we can do.”

Mr Harris also said that tents may continue to arise in parts of Dublin City, but said that long-term encampments similar to what happened on Mount St will not happen again.

It is understood that the Government is examining the use of new State sites to accommodate asylum seekers, alongside the expansion of existing tented accommodation.