On Tuesday, along a portion of the Grand Canal in southern Dublin, over 40 tents were seen established, marking a rise of around 10 from the weekend prior. According to current data from the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) published the same day, 1,780 asylum seekers are waiting for housing offers.
In a bid to deter these asylum seekers, who are without homes, from setting up their tents, barriers extending hundreds of meters were erected throughout various parts of the canal last week. This action was taken following a concerted operation by local authorities, the HSE and Waterways Ireland which involved the clearing of over 100 tents and relocating approximately 160 persons, largely males, to locations in southwest Dublin’s Crooksling and Dundrum.
Individuals who were residing in the tents were notified that they lacked authorisation to set up camp on the canal banks. If they resisted vacating, they would be evicted by law enforcement. Lorries fitted with grabber claws were used to collect and transport the tents.
The barriers installed now extend from Warrington and Percy Place, continue along most of Wilton Terrace, then proceed along Charlemont Place, finally stopping at Harcourt Terrace.
A group of tents erected by asylum seekers was still standing at the far end of the barriers close to McCartney Bridge on Tuesday, and more have been set up there since. A few tents were also spotted dispersed along the canal between the barriers.
One individual, who was taking down his tent from the location, mentioned that some passersby could exhibit aggression, with some even documenting the asylum seekers on their mobile phones as they simply try to survive. He indicated feeling safer next to the bridge, despite his tent’s condition.
Afghan and Palestinian men, a handful of whom had previously stayed in Crooksling for a period, account for most of the tent inhabitants along the canal. But it’s been noted that a large number of them arrived in Ireland following last Thursday’s operation to clear the canal encampment.
The Taoiseach announces a comprehensive review of all assistance provided to refugees and asylum seekers.