90 Tents Housing Asylum Seekers Lined Along Grand Canal

As the number of tents along a stretch of Dublin’s Grand Canal increased to nearly ninety, Taoiseach Simon Harris stated that state-owned property is being set aside for the accommodation of asylum seekers. The encampment, located between Baggot Street and Leeson Street bridges, has seen a rapid increase in tents over recent days.

(Also read Report Reveals More Than 30,000 Households Affected by ‘Hidden Homelessness’.)

Government Action Urged as Asylum Seekers’ Needs Escalate

This surge in makeshift shelters has prompted government action, with Harris highlighting the need for urgent responses to address the situation. Emphasising a multi-agency approach, Harris underscored the significance of providing better accommodation, sanitation, and safer shelter to vulnerable individuals.

In response to criticisms of the government’s handling of the issue, Harris stressed the broader spectrum of challenges surrounding asylum seekers beyond mere accommodation. He outlined a comprehensive approach, including reforms in welfare systems, comparative analysis with other European nations, and a holistic governmental response.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik condemned the lack of coordination, likening the situation to a “Rwanda policy” and criticised the government for allowing individuals to sleep in tents, suggesting it sends a negative signal to potential refugees. The implementation of sustainable solutions to the intricate problem of migration continues to be the main focus of talks.