19th March 2025
Waterways Ireland is seriously concerned for the safety and health of people staying in tents by the Grand Canal.
Erecting temporary barriers along the canal was not something that Waterways Ireland had ever envisioned doing; it was done as a mitigation measure, primarily for reasons of health and safety, and public health, following large-scale illegal encampments on the canal banks. Waterways Ireland removed sections of temporary fencing on a phased basis; the last section was removed on 4th December 2024.
Waterways Ireland introduced enhanced monitoring in September 2024, whereby external resources were contracted to augment Waterways Ireland staff by patrolling the area, to mitigate against health and safety and public health risks, to notify Gardai of any issues in real time, and to advise any arrivals of the prohibition on staying in tents by the canal along with the associated health and safety and public health risks. This remains a pilot programme which is being kept under review.
Waterways Ireland has met with representatives of local residents groups to listen to their concerns and to discuss how we might improve the amenity of the canal.
We understand the interest in Waterways Ireland’s plans for this section of the Grand Canal and are committed to keeping people up to date. To this end, we will publish updates here on our website on a regular basis.