Statement on the Grand Canal, Dublin - Update

A joint operation between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; the Department of Justice; An Garda Síochána; Dublin City Council (Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive); Waterways Ireland; and the HSE got underway early this morning on the Grand Canal, Dublin.

The purpose of the operation is to ensure the safe movement of people seeking international protection from the tents on the Grand Canal to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS)-designated accommodation. Some 163 individuals have now been safely moved to Crooksling and the former Central Mental Hospital (CMH) in Dundrum (148 individuals were moved to Crooksling; 15 individuals were moved to Dundrum).

Both sites have robust, weather-proof tents. They have toilets and showers; health services; indoor areas where food is provided; facilities to charge phones and personal devices; access to transport to and from Dublin City Centre; and 24-hour onsite security.

While accommodated at the sites in Crooksling and Dundrum, residents will receive the same supports as at other IPAS locations. This includes access to medical care via the HSE social inclusion outreach teams and medical card provision; IPAS customer services team clinics; onsite support from the provider’s staff; and psycho-social and integration support from NGO partners.

The encampment at the Grand Canal has been dismantled and the area is being cleaned by Waterways Ireland.