An operation to clear the tents outside the International Protection Office in Dublin is underway.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described the tents as 'makeshift shanty towns'.

Around 200 asylum seekers are camped outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street.

Residents and local businesses are among those raising concerns about the issue which has been highlighted for some time.

Gardaí on Dublin's Mount Street during an operation to remove asylum seeker tents outside the International Protection Office, 1-5-24. Image: Stephanie Rohan/Newstalk

The issue has also been thrown into the spotlight by international media coverage from the likes of the BBC, ITV and The Telegraph.

A large operation is now getting underway this morning to remove the tents.

The Department of Integration has confirmed the joint operation involving its Department, the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

"The purpose of the operation is to ensure the safe movement of people seeking international protection from the tents on Mount Street to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS)-designated accommodation," the Department said in a statement.

It added that the IPAS-designated accommodation has toilets and showers, health services, indoor areas where food is provided, facilities to charge phones - as well as access to transport to and from Dublin city centre and 24-hour onsite security.

Gardaí on Dublin's Mount Street during an operation to remove asylum seeker tents outside the International Protection Office, 1-5-24. Image: Stephanie Rohan/Newstalk

Newstalk reporter Stephanie Rohan is near Mount Street and said people are being told they have to move.

"Officials in masks are going around tents, they're taking people's names and asking them questions," she told Newstalk Breakfast.

"People are packing up their belongings, they're wrapping up their duvets.

"I was talking to one man who told me he's from Nigeria; he said he's not entirely sure what's going on but he's been told he has to move."

Officials and asylum seekers during an operation to remove tents outside the International Protection Office in Dublin, 1-5-24. Image: Stephanie Rohan/Newstalk

Stephanie said buses are ready to take the asylum seekers elsewhere.

"There are a large number of buses here... and there's a large truck here as well with what looks like a grabber," she said.

"I'd say that is going to then grab the tents once this operation is finished".

She added that the street itself has been sealed off.

Gardaí on Dublin's Mount Street during an operation to remove asylum seeker tents outside the International Protection Office, 1-5-24. Image: Stephanie Rohan/Newstalk

A volunteer group has previously labelled the situation a 'humanitarian emergency'.

Speaking in March, Róisín McAleer from Social Rights Ireland said conditions there were a big concern.

"There is no toilet at the IPO camp for asylum seekers, there is no running water," she said.

"We are supplying tents, sleeping bags, clothes and food in a desperate attempt to stave off death outside the IPO.

"People are sick. There is an outbreak of scabies and respiratory illnesses at the camp," she added.

A number of asylum seekers were also moved back onto the streets after receiving temporary accommodation during heavy snowfall in March.

Additional reporting: Jack Quann

Main image: Gardaí stand on Dublin's Mount Street during an operation to remove asylum seeker tents outside the International Protection Office, 1-5-24. Image: Stephanie Rohan/Newstalk