Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, has asserted that the situation of nearly 80 tents being used by asylum seekers alongside the Grand Canal close to Baggot Street, does not resemble the past occurrences at Mount Street encampment. Tents were evident along the canal stretch between Mount Street and Baggot Street on Tuesday, following the removal of tents and provision of alternative housing for 290 individuals from the surrounding areas of the International Protection Accommodation Service (Ipas) office at Mount Street a week prior. There were tents set up near the Salesforce offices by the Docks as well.
Harris assured that the government would not allow a repeat of the Mount Street incident, and would be proactive in finding new living arrangements for the incoming asylum seekers. He said, “Mount Street’s incident was absolutely intolerable. It presented itself as a public health crisis, threatening the welfare of highly vulnerable individuals.” Harris added that what was happening elsewhere in the city was not similar to the Mount Street incident.
Talking outside the government buildings, Harris remarked that instead of passing the buck, a coordinated response from multiple agencies was necessary to handle this grave humanitarian crisis. He was optimistic about progress in finding shelter for those currently camping. However, he believed that the discussion around migration should extend beyond simply providing accommodation.
Given the estimated figure of over 20,000 applicants for international protection in 2024, Harris said all aspects of the issue should be addressed: from the processing time to deportations to providing quick responses. “A balanced firm approach is essential,” he concluded.
In response to the riots that took place in Dublin last November, the Taoiseach’s memo for a special taskforce has received approval from the Cabinet. The initiative’s main objectives include revitalising the city centre, enhancing public spaces, ensuring safety, and striving to make the city centre a more appealing residential location. Additionally, the Cabinet was informed about the An Comisinéir Teanga’s annual report, which revealed that there were 634 grievances filed in 2023 due to non-existence or unsatisfactory public services in the Irish language. A significant proportion of these complaints revolved around the incorrect usage of a síneadh fada in individual’s first or last names.