A TD has slammed the Government’s use of major funds to maintain a 24-hour patrol over Dublin’s “tent city”.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy has criticised the security measures put in place along the Grand Canal where refugees have been setting up tents over the last number of months.
2
The canal was fenced off earlier this year in hopes to combat the rising rate of tents in the area.
This saw the introduction of 24-hour security patrols along the canal.
Murphy has now criticised the security measure, saying that WaterWays Ireland are only adding to the problem as it is costing a whopping €30,000 a week to be implemented.
He told Newstalk: “This is another scandalous waste of public money.
“Waterways Ireland is now spending €30,000 a week on fencing to fence off our public space.
“Now, they’re adding to that 24-hour security, which is going to cost thousands on top of that, all for what purpose?”
Murphy is not the only critical voice when it comes to this measure as migrant rights charity Doras has also shared their concerns.
They said that on top of this, the Government’s consideration of making refugees who are working towards the cost of accommodation give back to the State.
John Lannon, Doras CEO, told Newstalk: “[Asylum seekers] live in very substandard accommodation, places like converted warehouses, tents, remote locations.
“They have to pay for transport to get to and from work and HIQA inspections last April highlighted that the conditions were really poor, very substandard in many of the centres that asylum seekers are living in.
“We have to bear in mind that we’re talking here about people who are already struggling to get by.”
He also shared how many people have been forced to leave everything they own behind and sacrifice more to to come to Ireland.
He urged the Government to give migrants the resources needed to build a life within Irish society.
He said: “They’ve left home in many cases with nothing, they’ve risked everything to get here, and they’re trying to establish a life that’s safe for themselves and their families in Ireland.”
“If the Government wants asylum seekers to contribute, even if they are working, then they need to ensure that the same people have access to services and supports like everyone else.”
