Fencing to be removed from 'asylum seekers' lock

THE authorities had little choice but to evict over 100 asylum seekers from a Grand Union Canal lock in Dublin.

Waterway Ireland together with Dublin City Council thought them dangerous so near the lock with its deep water and sloping sides so they were evicted and fencing installed to stop their return, Janet Friend reports.

Deceptively dangerous

While the erection of fencing along the canal wasn’t ideal it was necessary from a health, safety and welfare perspective, it was told, as the canals can be 'deceptively dangerous', with Waterways Ireland fearing individuals would end up seriously ill or dead following trips or falls.

The fencing was erected in May after more than 100 asylum seekers were evicted from a camp on the banks of the water.

But of course the fencing stopped the public being able to enjoy the area that is termed as a 'recreational and community amenity' with people complaining of not only the loss of the amenity but the sight of the ugly lengths of high fencing.

So it is to be removed and a close watch kept on the area.