A man living in a tent along Dublin's Grand Canal has said he feels safer there compared to where he came from.
It follows a discussion on Lunchtime Live on Tuesday around the next steps for asylum seeker accommodation and tents being used in the capital.
Efforts are underway to find alternative accommodation for dozens of asylum seekers who have pitched tents in Dublin city.
Around 80 tents are along the Grand Canal in the capital.
It comes as Taoiseach Simon Harris said he “won’t stand” for another “Mount Street situation” to develop in Ireland.
Mr Harris previously branded the street as a “makeshift shanty town” after asylum seekers had begun living there in tents to stay close to the International Protection Office.
They were removed as part of a “multi-agency operation” on May 1st, with 290 men relocated to accommodation at Crooksling and Citywest.
Presenter Andrea Gilligan went to the Grand Canal area on Tuesday and spoke with some of those in the tents.
One man from Nigeria, who didn't want to reveal his name, said he has been here since March.
"I didn't know anything about Ireland - I didn't even know that this is where they were bringing me," he said.
"They put me in the taxi to come to the IPO office; he spoke to the taxi man to drop me there.
"That's where I've been staying - I didn't have any other place".
He said he was told when he went for a shower he was told that Gardaí were surrounding the tents on Mount Street.
"When I ran down I couldn't find my tent," he said.
"I got my medicine inside my tent... I could not find anything, they did not allow us to get in there.
"I [was taken] to Citywest.
"I got there at 12.15 I think, after five hours, they said they are sorry, the accommodation is not available anymore".
Tents pitched along the Grand Canal in Dublin city, 7-5-24. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkThe man said he appreciates people's hospitality.
"To me I'm not really sleeping too much like that [at night]," he said.
"I'm just hoping that the Government should do more.
"I appreciate the people of Ireland, to me I can see they are so accommodating compared to where I'm coming from.
"I feel safe here in Ireland.
"Even as I am I feel safe; no attack, nobody coming to cause any problem," he added.
Tents pitched along the Grand Canal in Dublin city, 7-5-24. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkTánaiste Micheál Martin said it is unsafe for asylum seekers to be sleeping on the street in large numbers.
“We’re going to secure further accommodation [for asylum seekers]," he said.
“There is no doubt, in my view, that pitching tents along the canal or street is in no way safe or suitable at all.”
A statement from the Department of Integration said it was making “every effort” to accommodate asylum seekers amid “unprecedented demand”.
“However, the situation remains challenging and the Department cannot provide accommodation to all applicants,” the Department said.
“A triage process is in place for those who are vulnerable, and an enhanced daily expense allowance is available to those who do not have accommodation.”
The Department also said they have increased staff numbers to “accelerate” the processing of asylum applications.
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