Tents Removed From Grand Canal As Asylum Seekers Relocated

More than 100 tents were removed from the Grand Canal, Dublin as part of a joint operation to remove pitched tents and relocate asylum seekers to other accommodation.

In a statement released by the Government, this joint operation from the Departments of Integration and Justice, Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, Health Service Executive and Waterways Ireland was taking place. 

According to reports, asylum seekers have been relocated to Citywest and Crooksling. 

The operation began between 6.30 am and 7am this morning, after the different agencies gathered along the Grand Canal at 5.30am.

Five buses who were parked along the north side of the canal picked up the people who had been living there, with the first bus leaving around 7am, with the rest of the buses leaving the area shortly after. 

"The purpose of the operation is to ensure the safe movement of people seeking international protection from the tents on the Grand Canal to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS)-designated accommodation", a Government spokesperson said. 

"The IPAS-designated accommodation has toilets and showers; health services; indoor areas where food is provided; facilities to charge phones and personal devices; access to transport to and from Dublin city centre; and 24-hour onsite security". 

It has also been confirmed that the tents which were only received by International Protection Applicants and pitched in the last week, have been removed. These tents were lifted by excavators, gathered into piles and onto truck beds for removal.