Waterways Ireland is seriously concerned for the safety and health of people staying in tents by the Grand Canal.
Waterways Ireland introduced enhanced monitoring in autumn 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. All temporary fencing was removed by December 2024.
Waterways Ireland has met with representatives of local residents groups 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.