Barriers along the Grand Canal in Dublin are to remain in place throughout the summer.

The metal fencing was installed several weeks ago following an operation to remove asylum seekers who were camping on the canal banks and are now expected to remain in place until at least October.

The body responsible for the Grand Canal - Waterways Ireland - has said it is looking at options such as landscaping and architectural redesign to prevent tents from being pitched again.

The barriers have cost over €100,000 to date.

Manager of the La Peniche barge restaurant manager, which is on the Grand Canal, Shiful Islam says the barriers are putting people off coming near the area.

"It is a big damage for tourism because tourists are coming they are surprised, 'What's this fence doing here?'" he said.

"People are not really happy to see this thing.

"Tourists are coming here because of this great country... they'd like to see the great side of Ireland rather than having a fence."

Council workers performing a clean-up operation and erecting barriers on the Grand Canal in Dublin, 30-5-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

Mr Islam said he is concerned the barriers will continue to deter tourists and harm his business.

"It is not a nice thing to see," he said.

"Yesterday was a fantastic day - people want to sit by the canal, relax, families coming down to have a picnic - now they can't do anything like this," he said.

"A lot of people are wondering how [I am] still operating a business.

"I would say they need to be removed somehow today or tomorrow - it is damaging for this great city.

"It looks really disgusting, all the barriers everywhere is not a good thing.

"[They] have to be moved as soon as possible".

Council workers performing a clean-up operation and erecting barriers on the Grand Canal in Dublin, 30-5-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

People in the area also hit out at the fencing being used.

"They're an absolute eyesore, they shouldn't be here," a woman said.

"I don't think this is the answer, this is not right - it's stopping everybody that uses this city, the area and lots of the people who work around here walk up and down during their break".

A man said: "They don't look great; you can't sit out.

"You can sit on benches but that's about it and there's not very many benches".

Main image: Council workers performing a clean-up operation and erecting barriers on the Grand Canal in Dublin, 30-5-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie