As of December 2, the total bill amounted to €790,769. The highest contribution to these costs, at €566,718, was for barriers erected along the canal towpath.
Other costs incurred by Waterways Ireland included the monitoring of the area, which accounted for €128,881 of the total bill, as well as tent removal, which cost nearly €100,000.
Throughout the year, international protection applicants repeatedly set up tents along the canal in Dublin.
However, Waterways Ireland persisted in removing these encampments due to concerns about “the safety and health” of people staying in tents.
A spokesperson for Waterways Ireland said: “The overriding concern of Waterways Ireland has been, and continues to be, the safety and health of people staying in tents by the canals.
“The actions Waterways Ireland has undertaken have been to safeguard the well-being of the individuals residing in tents, the general public, and to uphold Waterways Ireland’s statutory obligations.
“The canal is a wonderful amenity for responsible recreational use – it is not a safe place to sleep,” it added.
The statement continued by urging people not to sleep near the canal due to the risk of accidentally falling in, which could result in a fatality or serious injury.
It added: “The canal was not designed to be entered by people and can be deceptively dangerous, with deep water in places, up to 800mm of sediment at the bottom, and steep slopes.
“In many cases, the towpaths and verge areas are narrow. Tents have been pitched there, and on sloped areas, at lock gates and landing jetties; this is extremely dangerous.
“Ropes and other obstructions have been fastened between tents, from railings and across walkways, creating the potential for trips and falls. Particularly in darkness, this creates a risk of people inadvertently falling into the water.
“In addition, tents present other significant public health and safety concerns, including risks associated with unsanitary conditions, fire hazards, and the structural integrity of temporary shelters adjacent to a waterway.
“These dangers not only endanger the individuals residing there, but also members of the general public who use the canal and the lands adjacent to it, as well as operational teams, including Waterways Ireland staff.
“Waterways Ireland’s mandate requires it to ensure the canal and its embankments do not fall into misuse, disrepair, or desuetude, and are not subject to, or put at risk of, damage and/or destruction.
“In fulfilling these duties, Waterways Ireland is obligated to uphold the highest standards of public health and safety.”
The erection of long stretches of fencing also proved contentious among local residents and tourists, who said it closed off the amenity to pedestrians.
