The Taoiseach has said he expects there will be another clear-up operation to move tents along the Grand Canal in Dublin.

Dozens of homeless asylum seekers are currently sleeping rough in almost 80 tents pitched on a green area of the canal close to the Mespil Road.

Two encampments have been cleared in the same area in recent weeks, while at the start of the month 285 tents were removed from Mount Street.

Tents along the Grand Canal in Dublin. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Speaking this afternoon, Simon Haris said “active work” on the issue is ongoing and the latest encampment to be removed shortly. 

“There was a multi agency meeting as recently as today in relation to that and I do expect progress on those tents throughout the week,” he said. 

Mr Harris also said Ireland needs a "balanced rules-based system” in relation to migration. 

The remarks followed reports that 50 people were prevented from entering the Republic from Northern Ireland last week as part of "Operation Sonnet" - a joint policing initiative between Gardaí and the PSNI.

Mr Harris said people who immigrate to Ireland with a "right to be here" will be welcomed and integrated.

However, he also said there is a need to speed up the deportations of people with no right to live in Ireland. 

“[We’re] making sure we move from an emergency approach to migration to a much more sustainable model,” he said. 

“One where we absolutely meet our international obligations and approach people with compassion and help people in need of help. 

“But also one where we enforce the rules of our land… and I think it’s really important that that happens.”

Main image: Simon Harris.