The government has spent almost €90,000 on the clearing of asylum seeker tents and the erection of temporary fencing along the Grand Canal.
The Irish Mirror reported that the breakdown of the monies spent so far on the operation is “€17,450 on May 9, €19,250 on May 21 and €15,750 on May 30.”
Separately €36,000 has been spent on fencing it said adding that this brought the total spending so far to a total of €88,450 according to correspondence with Waterways Ireland.
Speaking in Dáil Eireann, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy accused the government of engaging in a “cynical attempt” to “make immigration the central issue to distract from its failures” during the run up to last week’s elections.
He criticised the decision to spend “almost €100,000” on the tent and fence operation saying that “Almost every week in the run-up to the election, the Government had new policies of performative cruelty.”
“That 100,000 would have been much better spent on emergency accommodation for homeless people,” he said.
In response Taoiseach Simon Harris commended Murphy on his “calling out” of “racism” but said that the “only thing that happens when we allow that vacuum to be created is that it gets filled by the far right.”
“I am absolutely determined, as a politician proudly of the centre and as Taoiseach of this country, to not in any way, shape or form allow others to seek to sow division.”
Therefore, what we are going to do in this country is have a functioning migration system that is fair and has rules. The rules will be applied without fear or favour.” he said adding that the government “will provide accommodation and shelter, safety and access to sanitation for people. “
“However, we will not just have a conversation about accommodation because that is not the totality of any country’s migration policy. We will also talk about processing times. “
The Taoiseach continued that talks would be held about “how the welfare system interacts and how that happens relative to other European countries” adding that the government would work with the PSNI “and others with regard to collaboration because we live in a common travel area.”
Harris added that Minister for Justice Helen McEntee was doing work in that regard and that deportations for those “who do not have a right to be here” adding that this was how “any migration system must work.”
He added that the government would “continue to invest in integration because this country is better as a result of immigration.”
Gript captured images of the extensive fencing which is currently in place at the Grand Canal last Thursday.
Views from Dublin's Grand Canal where extensive fencing erected in efforts to prevent asylum seeker encampments forming has left the famous beauty spot looking somewhat like a prison. pic.twitter.com/tHq8QB3oRM
— gript (@griptmedia) June 10, 2024
Despite repeated attempts to prevent asylum seekers from forming so-called ‘tent villages’ in Dublin City a new encampment has sprung up in the area of Leeson Street Bridge.
RTÉ reported that “Around 40 asylum seekers sheltering in tents on Leeson Street were ordered to move from the area without any offer of alternative accommodation.
A spokesperson from Dublin City Council told RTÉ that this latest operation to move the tents was not government led but that it “with the support of An Garda Síochána carried out an operation today to remove tents from Leeson Street”.
The spokesperson added that “Dublin City Council has no role in accommodating International Protection applicants” and that “Government Information Services or (the International Protection Accommodation Service) IPAS should be contacted on this matter”.
The Department of Integration said, “IPAS is in ongoing discussions with NGO partners to extend an outreach response to those applying for international protection who are sleeping rough in Dublin city. The outreach team will identify people and send their details to IPAS. Once a person has been deemed eligible an offer of accommodation will be made, if accommodation is available.”