Your questions answered on the Grand Canal

What happened at the Grand Canal on 9th May 2024?

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

Were International Protection applicants informed of what was happening prior to the operation?

For operational reasons, International Protection applicants were not given specific advance notice of the planned move.

How were International Protection applicants informed of the operation? If verbally or in writing, was this translated?

IPAS staff approached all applicants at the Grand Canal site explaining what was going to happen and handed out a leaflet (see Appendix 1) with all the necessary information. This leaflet was translated with IPAS staff having translation services available when needed.

Were there interpreter services available to explain what was happening?

DCEDIY had interpreters available by phone and had translated information sheets available on site at the Grand Canal (see Appendix 1).

What kind of accommodation and facilities are available at Crooksling?

The Crooksling site has 10 to 12 person robust, weather-proof tents. It has 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.

What kind of accommodation and facilities are available at the former Central Mental Hospital Site, Dundrum?

The Dundrum site has 10 to 12 person robust, weather-proof tents. It has 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.

How many of those occupying the tents on the Grand Canal were moved?

Some 163 individuals have been safely moved this morning. 148 individuals were moved to Crooksling; 15 individuals were moved to Dundrum.

Were there any tents occupied by people who are not seeking International Protection? If so, how many? And what were these people advised to do?

Two people sleeping rough were accommodated by the Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive in homeless couples’ accommodation.

What was the role of An Garda Síochána as part of the operation?

An Garda Síochána supported the joint operation between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY); the Department of Justice; Dublin City Council (Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive); Waterways Ireland; and the HSE. This operation ensured that people sleeping in tents at the Grand Canal were safely moved to IPAS-designated accommodation. Gardaí were on site to assist with the coordination of the movement of people, and to maintain public safety during the operation.

How were the tents removed from the Grand Canal?

All tents were checked twice by Waterways Ireland personnel and removed by hand to a collection point close to the Grand Canal. Following this, trucks collected the tents from the agreed collection point and brought them to a waste disposal site as it was advised that the tents be disposed of on public health grounds.

What was the role of the HSE as part of the operation?

A senior officer from the HSE was involved in the planning of a heath needs response. Public health advice was provided, and pathways of care were organised in the case that individuals might need medical attention. Safetynet service is contracted by the Dublin and Midlands region.

Were there other health services involved?

Safetynet primary care service mobile unit with GP and nursing were present at the invitation of the HSE to provide health care/ assessment if required.

Did any of those sleeping in the tents on the Grand Canal require medical assistance?

One person was reviewed and referred on for attention.

Did any of the applicants refuse to board the bus services provided? And if so, where will they go?

The offer of accommodation in IPAS centres is voluntary and some applicants are understood to have not taken up a place at their assigned centre. IPAS will continue to engage with these applicants and efforts will be made to ensure these applicants do not continue to reside at the Grand Canal location.

What are the legal implications for those who chose not to relocate to the offered accommodation?

While the State has always taken a sympathetic approach towards International Protection applicants, it is nevertheless a criminal offence, in principle, for a person to pitch a tent on public land, or on private land without consent. Depending on the circumstances, for example, the person may be moved on, requested to remove their tent or the tent may be seized if there is a refusal to remove the tent. Each case would be considered on their own set of facts in terms of the legal implications arising.

Can International Protection applicants be prosecuted if they did not take up the offer of IPAS accommodation?

No. However, it is a criminal offence, in principle, for a person to pitch a tent on public land, or on private land without consent. Depending on the circumstances, for example, the person may be moved on, requested to remove their tent or the tent may be seized if there is a refusal to remove the tent. Each case would be considered on their own set of facts on the question of a prosecution.

Are there more beds available for others who may present seeking accommodation?

The government is making every effort to accommodate asylum seekers against a backdrop of unprecedented demand. However, the situation remains challenging, and the department cannot provide accommodation to all applicants. 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. Significant resources have been put into the International Protection Office, including a substantial staff increase. A key lever will be accelerated processing which has been proven to work, so that those who qualify for protection get it within 90 days; and those who do not qualify get a quicker decision and instruction to leave.

What are the transport arrangements in Crooksling?

Residents in Crooksling have access to a regular Dublin bus service to the city centre. Residents have also been supported by NGOs and the accommodation provider with additional transport needs.

What are the transport arrangements in Dundrum?

Residents in Dundrum have access to regular Dublin bus and LUAS services to the city centre.

Are individuals in Crooksling and the former Central Mental Hospital sites now considered accommodated (and will their Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA) be reduced)?

Yes, the Crooksling and former Central Mental Hospital sites are IPAS accommodation centres similar to other facilities operated by IPAS nationally. The residents will receive the same support as residents in other IPAS locations, including the non-enhanced rate of DEA.

Were individuals in the encampment at the Grand Canal or other locations offered an increased Daily Expense Allowance to leave the area?

No. The notice referred to in the Dáil on Wednesday, 8th May 2024 was posted by IPAS at the tented accommodation site at the Central Mental Hospital Dundrum (CMH) earlier this year.

It was intended that where an applicant then residing at CMH could source accommodation independently using the increased Expense Allowance, this would be permitted in order to increase available capacity within IPAS centres for arriving international protection applicants.

This is not current IPAS policy, and the notice at CMH has since been removed.

For further clarification, this notice was not posted at the International Protection Office, nor were applicants in tents at the Grand Canal or other locations made offers of the increased Daily Expense Allowance beyond what is currently in place.

Will those seeking International Protection be able to camp at the Grand Canal again?

The area along the Grand Canal where the tents were placed has been secured, with barriers to prevent the placement of tents.

Can people other than those availing of the accommodation in Crooksling and the former Central Mental Hospital access the sites?

IPAS sites are not open to the public given the need for privacy for residents, but the sites are regularly visited by various stakeholders including NGOs, HSE and IPAS personnel. IPAS house rules do not allow for overnight guests.

Are there any restrictions around photographing or identifying International Protection applicants?

It is important to note that International Protection Applicants have a statutory right to anonymity. Under Section 26(2) of the International Protection Act 2015, “A person shall not, without the consent of the applicant, publish in a written publication available to the public or broadcast, or cause to be so published or broadcast, information likely to lead members of the public to identify a person as an applicant.”

Will there be a return to vulnerability assessments?

Yes. A triage system is in place at the International Protection Office to identify people with high level needs and prioritise them for accommodation.

What happens to International Protection applicants’ personal belongings?

Individuals in the encampment at the Grand Canal were instructed to bring all personal belongings with them to be transported to their designated accommodation.

What was the role of Waterways Ireland as part of the operation?

Waterways Ireland participated in the multi-agency operation as the State entity with responsibility for the Grand Canal property. Waterways Ireland manages the Grand Canal under the Canals Act, 1986 (No 3 of 1986) and the Canals Act, 1986 (Bye-Laws), 1988 (SI 247 of 1988). Persons camped on the banks of the Grand Canal are interfering with the use of the canals and canal property. Waterways Ireland has not provided any permission for the placing and occupying of any tent on its canal property beside the Grand Canal in Dublin.

What form of transport was used to move those from the Grand Canal?

5 buses were used as part of the operation.

How long will the applicants be in Crooksling and the former Central Mental Hospital Sites?

Applicants will reside in Crooksling and the former Central Mental Hospital sites until a further accommodation offer can be made. This will remain dependent on the available capacity within the IPAS portfolio.

How much did the clean-up operation at the Grand Canal cost Waterways Ireland?

The estimated cost to Waterways Ireland of the clean-up operation is €13,500.

Were male International Protection applicants transferred out of Citywest and Crooksling in order to accommodate those who were staying on the Grand Canal?

IPAS regularly arranges moves from Citywest and other centres used for initial reception to make space for arriving International Protection applicants.

Were those who left the Grand Canal encampment before the operation started this morning offered accommodation at the Crooksling and former Central Mental Hospital sites?

The operation commenced this morning at 06.00 with the intention of ensuring that those at the site were at their tents before any daily movements were made. IPAS is limited in its available accommodation and, as a result, only those found to be camped at the site during the operation were offered accommodation.

Is it true that IPAS are paying for the tents that are going up in Dublin city centre?

DCEDIY is funding homelessness service providers (Mendicity, Capuchin Day Centre, Tiglin, Crosscare) for provision of necessary basics which may include tents.

ENDS.

Appendix 1

Good morning. We are from the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). We are here to offer all International Protection applicants in this area accommodation. We will need to see your Temporary Resident Card (‘blue card’) and then you should gather your personal belongings and get on to the bus which will bring you to your accommodation. You do not need to bring your tent. It will be disposed of for health and safety reasons. At the accommodation, you will be safe and there will be food and hygiene facilities and IPAS will be able to provide you with support.

You do not have permission to stay on canal property beside the Grand Canal in Dublin. You are committing an offence. If you refuse to come to the available accommodation or you later return to stay in this area you may be moved on by An Garda Síochána (Police) and you may be arrested and prosecuted.

If you have any questions when you arrive at your accommodation or if your property is seized and you have questions about this, please email IPAS at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie

If you are not an International Protection applicant, please let us know and we will refer you to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive.

9 May 2024

FRENCH

Bonjour. Nous faisons partie du Service d’hébergement de la protection internationale (IPAS). Nous sommes ici pour offrir un hébergement à tous les demandeurs de protection internationale dans cette zone. Nous aurons besoin de voir votre carte de résident temporaire (« carte bleue »), puis vous devrez rassembler vos effets personnels et monter dans le bus qui vous conduira à votre logement. Vous n’avez pas besoin d’apporter votre tente. Elle sera jetée pour des raisons de santé et de sécurité. Dans le logement, vous serez en sécurité et il y aura de la nourriture et des installations sanitaires, et l’IPAS pourra vous fournir un soutien.

Vous n’êtes pas autorisé à rester dans la propriété du canal au bord du Grand Canal à Dublin. Vous commettez une infraction. Si vous refusez de venir à l’hébergement disponible ou si vous revenez plus tard pour rester dans cette zone, vous pourriez être expulsé par An Garda Síochána (la police), et vous pourriez être arrêté et poursuivi en justice.

Si vous avez des questions à votre arrivée à l’hébergement ou si vos biens sont saisis et que vous avez des questions à ce sujet, veuillez envoyer un courriel à l’IPAS à l’adresse suivante : ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie

Si vous n’êtes pas un demandeur de protection internationale, veuillez nous en informer et nous vous orienterons vers le Service des sans-abri de la région de Dublin (Dublin Regional Homeless Executive).

9 mai 2024

ARABIC

صباح الخير. نحن من خدمة الإقامة للحماية الدولية (IPAS). نحن هنا لنقدم لجميع المتقدمين للحماية الدولية في هذه المنطقة سكن(مکان الإقامة). سوف نحتاج إلى رؤية بطاقة الإقامة المؤقتة الخاصة بك ("البطاقة الزرقاء") وبعد ذلك يجب عليك جمع متعلقاتك الشخصية واغراضك والصعود إلى الحافلة التي ستوصلك إلى مكان سكنك. لا تحتاج إلى إحضار خيمتك. سوف يتم التخلص منها لأسباب تتعلق بالصحة والسلامة. في مكان السكن الجديد (في المكان الذي ستقيم فيه) ستكون في مأمن وستتوفر وجبات غذائية ومرافق صحية وسيتمكن IPAS من تقديم الدعم لك.

ليس لديك إذن للبقاء في هذه المنطقة بجوار قناة الغراند كنال في دبلن. انت ترتكب جريمة إذا رفضت القدوم إلى السكن (المكان المتاح للإقامة) أو عدت لاحقا للبقاء في هذه المنطقة، فقد يتم نقلك من قبل غاردا Garda Síochána (الشرطة) وقد يتم القبض عليك ومحاكمتك.

إذا كانت لديك أي أسئلة عند وصولك إلى مكان إقامتك أو إذا تم الاستيلاء (مصادرة) على متعلقاتك ولديك أسئلة حول هذا الموضوع، فيرجى إرسال بريد إلكتروني إلى IPAS على: ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie

إذا لم تكن طالبًا للحماية الدولية، يرجى إعلامنا وسنحيلك إلى السلطة التنفيذية للمشردين في المنطقة الإقليمية بدبلن.

09 مايو, 2024

GEORGIAN

დილა მშვიდობის. ჩვენ ვართ საერთაშორისო დაცვის განსახლების სერვისებიდან (IPAS). ჩვენ აქ ვართ, რათა ამ ტერიტორიაზე ყველა საერთაშორისო დაცვის მაძიებელს შევთავაზოთ საცხოვრებელი. ჩვენ დაგვჭირდება თქვენი დროებითი ბინადრობის ბარათის („ლურჯი ბარათის“) ხილვა, რის შემდეგაც თქვენ უნდა შეაგროვოთ თქვენი პირადი ნივთები და ავტობუსში ახვიდეთ, რომელიც თქვენს საცხოვრებელში მიგიყვანთ. თქვენ არ გჭირდებათ თქვენი კარვის წამოღება. ის ჯანმრთელობისა და უსაფრთხოების მიზეზების გამო განადგურდება. საცხოვრებელში თქვენ უსაფრთხოდ იქნებით, იქ იქნება საკვები და ჰიგიენური საშუალებები, IPAS-ი კი შეძლებს თქვენთვის მხარდაჭერის გაწევას.

თქვენ არ გაქვთ დუბლინში გრანდ არხის გვერდით დარჩენის ნებართვა. თქვენ დანაშაულს ჩადიხართ. თუ თქვენ უარს იტყვით ხელმისაწვდომ საცხოვრებელში წამოსვლაზე ან მოგვიანებით დაბრუნდებით ამ ტერიტორიაზე დასარჩენად, თქვენ შეიძლება An Garda Síochána-მ (პოლიცია) გადაგიყვანოთ და დაგაკავოთ და სისხლის სამართლებრივი პასუხისმგებლობა დაგეკისროთ.

თუ თქვენ გექნებათ რაიმე შეკითხვა თქვენს საცხოვრებელში მისვლისას ან თუ თქვენი ქონება დაყადაღებულია და გაქვთ შეკითხვები ამის შესახებ, გთხოვთ, ელფოსტით მიწეროთ IPAS-ს მისამართზე ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie

თუ თქვენ არ ხართ საერთაშორისო დაცვის მაძიებელი, გთხოვთ, შეგვატყობინეთ და ჩვენ დუბლინის რეგიონულ უსახლკაროთა აღმასრულებელ ორგანოს მიმართავთ.

2024 წლის 09 მაისი

URDU

صبح بخير.

ہم بین الاقوامی تحفظ رہائش سروس (آئی پی اے ایس) سے ہیں. ہم اس علاقے میں تمام بین الاقوامی تحفظ کے درخواست دہندگان کو رہائش کی پیش کش کرنے کے لئے یہاں ہیں. ہمیں آپ کا عارضی رہائشی کارڈ ('نیلا کارڈ') دیکھنے کی ضرورت ہوگی اور پھر آپ کو اپنا ذاتی سامان اکٹھا کرنا چاہئے اور بس میں سوار ہونا چاہئے جو آپ کو آپ کی رہائش تک لے جائے گی۔

آپ کو اپنا خیمہ لانے کی ضرورت نہیں ہے. صحت اور حفاظت کی وجوہات کی بنا پر اسے ٹھکانے لگایا جائے گا۔

رہائش پر ، آپ محفوظ رہیں گے اور وہاں کھانے اور حفظان صحت کی سہولیات ہوں گی اور آئی پی اے ایس آپ کو مدد فراہم کرنے کے قابل ہوگا۔

آپ کو اس علاقے میں رہنے کی اجازت نہیں ہےاور آپ کو ڈبلن میں گرینڈ کینال کے ساتھ کینال پراپرٹی پربھی رہنے کی اجازت نہیں ہے۔

آپ ایک جرم کر رہے ہیں. اگر آپ دستیاب رہائش گاہ میں آنے سے انکار کرتے ہیں یا آپ بعد میں اس علاقے میں رہنے کے لئے واپس آتے ہیں تو آپ کو ان گارڈا سیوچنا (پولیس) کے ذریعہ منتقل کیا جاسکتا ہے اور آپ کو گرفتار کیا جاسکتا ہے اور مقدمہ چلایا جاسکتا ہے۔

جب آپ اپنی رہائش گاہ پر پہنچتے ہیں یا اگر آپ کی جائیداد ہے اور ضبط کر لیا گیا ہے اور آپ کے پاس اس کے بارے میں سوالات ہیں، براہ کرم آئی پی اے ایس کو ای میل کریں

ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie

اگر آپ بین الاقوامی تحفظ کے درخواست دہندہ نہیں ہیں تو، براہ مہربانی ہمیں بتائیں اور ہم کریں گے

آپ کو ڈبلن ریجنل ہوم لیس ایگزیکٹو کے پاس بھیجیں۔

مئی 2024 09