Waterways Ireland has taken steps to remove asylum seeker tents from canal banks and erect fencing, citing safety concerns and public access issues. This move has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it restricts access to the canal and reflects poorly on Ireland's treatment of asylum seekers.
Price of fencing alone reached €566,718, Waterways Ireland says, with removal of asylum seeker tents costing €95,170. Ireland can make the world a better place. But first it must look in the mirrorThe rise of anti-immigrant ‘community watchdogs’ across Ireland These patrols began in September to try to avoid new encampments being set up along the banks of the canal after an earlier removal operation.
Tents along the waterway were a source of bitter controversy last year with asylum applicants regularly subject to abuse from far-right agitators. The erection of long stretches of fencing also proved divisive, with people saying it closed off access to the canal for pedestrians and tourists. Waterways Ireland said they had been left in a difficult situation where their “over-riding concern” was always the health and safety of those camping. A spokesperson said: “The canal is a wonderful amenity for responsible recreational use – it is not a safe place to sleep.” The public body – which manages the upkeep of canals north and south of the Border – said there was a substantial risk of people falling into the water. “The canal can be deceptively dangerous, with deep water in places up to 800mm of sediment on the bottom of the canal, and steep slopes.” Waterways Ireland said towpaths and verge areas were narrow with tents pitched on slope areas, at lock gates, and landing jetties. They detailed how ropes and other obstructions had been fastened between tents, from railings, and across walkways. A spokesperson said: “There is the potential for trips and falls, which particularly in darkness, creates a risk of people inadvertently falling into the water.” Waterways Ireland said there were other risks linked to unsanitary conditions, fire hazards, and structural concerns over canal infrastructure. It said their responsibility was to ensure that the canal and its banks did not fall into “misuse, disrepair, or .
IMMIGRATION ASYLUM SEEKERS WATERWAYS IRELAND SAFETY CONTROVERSY
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