There has been a 95% increase in asylum seekers applying for international protection, according to figures from the Department of Justice.

Some 7,080 asylum seekers arrived here in the first four months of 2024, compared to 3,628 in the same tired period in 2023.

Asylum seekers camping along the Grand Canal are no longer “out of sight, out of mind” to locals, according to Newstalk Chief Reporter Barry Whyte.

The number of tents on Grand Canal has been rising steadily since Friday, according to Barry, now reaching over 80. 

Asylum seekers camped out along the Grand Canal in Dublin near the IPO. Image: Sheila Naughton

The asylum seekers remain roughly 100 yards from the International Protection Office (IPO), where a hundred tents were cleared last week. 

Barry told The Pat Kenny Show asylum seekers are far more visible on Grand Canal than they were on Mount Street. 

“When the tents were pitched on Mount Street, it was more ‘out of sight, out of mind’,” he said. 

“But now this is very visible on Grand Canal – there are hundreds of people walking and cycling to work today. 

“They’re probably seeing this for the first time, returning to work after the Bank Holiday.” 

Asylum seekers camped out have been using water from the canal to wash their hands and faces, according to Barry, as they have been left with “no choice”. 

People 'shocked' at tents

Speaking to people walking along Grand Canal this morning, Barry said most were “generally shocked” at the conditions. 

“These people are coming here, they’re looking for help,” one man said. “There doesn’t seem to be any plan... there’s no forward planning at all. 

“They can be left here along the canal, it’s not fair on these people.” 

Figures from the Department of Justice show that up until the end of April this year 7,080 people applied for international protection here.

That’s a 95% increase in the number of asylum seekers arriving here when compared to the same period last year (3,628 asylum seekers… pic.twitter.com/qWtCEcXKAH

— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) May 7, 2024

One woman urged “all people of Ireland” and the Government to “please do something” about the conditions asylum seekers are facing. 

“This is abnormal,” she said. “I'm living in Ireland for more than 20 years and this is the first time I’ve seen this – this is very scary. 

“We have issues with homes – it's difficult to rent a house and it’s difficult to buy a house. 

“The tents should be removed, people shouldn’t be living outside.” 

Alternatives for asylum seekers

Barry said new alternative accommodation for asylum seekers is expected to be offered by the Government this week. 

It is not clear, however, how many places will be made available. 

The Government is also understood to be focusing on acquiring State-owned land to allow asylum seekers to set up tents on these sites.