Waterways Ireland plans to remove Grand Canal fences ‘within months’
The fence was erected in May after more than 100 asylum seekers were expelled from a camp on the water’s edge.
Waterways Ireland plans to remove fencing along Dublin’s Grand Canal and redesign the landscaping in the area over the coming months.
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act from the Irish Times have announced that the controversial fence will be removed within a few months.
The proposed changes include “enhancing biodiversity, nature/wildlife and the ecology of the canal corridors”.
The fence was erected after a multi-agency operation along the Dublin canal removed a number of tents housing people seeking international protection who had not been offered government accommodation.
The cost of the fence was estimated at 30,000 euros per week.
Protest against fences along the Grand Canal / Copyright Patrik Meier / hotpress.comThe organization’s documents indicate that this is a “short-term measure” and that access is necessary to allow for the maintenance of lawns and the removal of waste.
The documents also state that “the recreational and community benefits associated with the fenced areas must be restored.”
Last month, a coalition of activists tore down fences at the site as part of a protest. Waterways Ireland described this as “unhelpful”, adding that the need to erect fences was “not something we ever imagined”.
The island’s waterways organisation says a pilot programme is being carried out on sections of the canal between Portobello and Grand Canal Dock.
“In practice, interventions may include new landscaping, additional seating and benches, appropriate and suitable planting, wildlife attractions, art installations, sculptures and appropriate interpretation.”
