Waterways Ireland has come under fire for proposing to redesign parts of the Grand Canal bank in Dublin in an effort to prevent encampments of asylum seekers being set up along the picturesque route. Steel barriers were erected over a month ago on long stretches of the canal bank after more than 100 tents were removed in response to the country’s growing asylum crisis. Described as ‘architectural vandalism’, the barriers are expected to remain in place until October when Waterways Ireland initiates its alternative strategy for the site.
Although it has not been ‘decided how it will make the pitching of tents nearly impossible there, the body said it is looking at options such as landscaping and architectural redesign. ‘ ‘We are working to find an alternative pragmatic solution that enables people to fully enjoy the canal amenities, protects biodiversity and is aesthetically approa spokesman said. ‘This involves landscaping and architectural redesign – we are working on options, and the process will continue to include community outreach and engagement with elected representatives.
’ Waterways Ireland said it had received several complaints about the steel barriers since they were erected more than six weeks ago, but could not confirm whether they would be extended to other parts of the canal. The spokesman added that costings for the project are not yet available. Numerous politicians from the locality have voiced their objections to the proposal, including C.
