The cost of preventing homeless asylum seekers from sleeping along the Grand Canal in Dublin last year was almost €800,000.

Asylum seekers repeatedly set up camp along the canal's banks last year after being moved on from a controversial 'tented village' near the International Protection Office in the capital.

Metal barriers were subsequently erected along parts of the Grand Canal and remained in place for a several months last year.

There were also a number of clean-up operations when tents were cleared and dumped and a number of people were employed to patrol the area.

Costs

Waterways Ireland has confirmed that the fencing cost €566,718, while €128,881 was spent on monitoring the area.

Over €95,000 was spent on tent removal, which brings the total spent on the operation to €790,769.

The process to remove the metal barriers along the canal began last September.

In a statement, Waterways Ireland said their over-riding concern has been and continues to be the "safety and health of people staying in tents by the canals".

"The actions Waterways Ireland have undertaken have been to safeguard the well-being of the individuals residing in tents and the public generally, as well as to uphold Waterways Ireland’s statutory obligations," a spokesperson said.

Tents pitched along the Grand Canal, Image: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

"Waterways Ireland urges people not to sleep near the canal because of the risk of accidentally falling into the canal itself – in which case a fatality, or serious injury, could occur.

"The canal was not designed to be entered by people and can be deceptively dangerous, with deep water in places, up to 800mm of sediment on the bottom of the canal, and steep slopes."

The group described the pitching of tents on slopes, lock gates and landing jetties as "extremely dangerous".

"Ropes and other obstructions have been fastened between tents, from railings and across walkways, creating the potential for trips and falls, which particularly in darkness, creates a risk of people inadvertently falling into the water," the spokesperson said.

Waterways Ireland said they are obligated to "uphold the highest standards of public health and safety".

Feature image shows tents pitched along the Grand Canal, surrounded by fencing, Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie