Waterways Ireland plan to remove Grand Canal fencing "within months"

Waterways Ireland plan to remove fencing along the Grand Canal in Dublin within the coming months and to redevelop landscaping in the area.

Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Irish Times have revealed that the controversial fencing will be removed within months.

The changes proposed include “the enhancement of the biodiversity nature/wildlife and ecology of the canal corridors”.

The fencing was erected after a multi-agency operation was conducted at the canal site in Dublin to remove a number of tents where people who were seeking international protection, and who had not been offered State accommodation, were residing.

The cost of the fencing was estimated to run at €30,000 per week.

Protest against fences along Grand Canal / Copyright Patrik Meier / hotpress.com

The organisation’s documents indicate it was put up as a “short-term measure” and access is required to allow for maintenance of the grassed sections and management of litter.

The documents also state that “the recreational and community amenity associated with the fenced sections needs to be reinstated.”

Last month, a coalition of activists tore down fencing at the site as part of protests, which Waterways Ireland described as “not helpful”, adding that the need to erect fencing was "not something we had ever envisaged".

The all-island waterways organisation says a pilot programme will move forward along stretches of the canal from Portobello to Grand Canal Dock.

“In practical terms the interventions may include new landscaping, additional seating and benches, appropriate and suitable planting, wildlife attractors, art installations, sculptures and appropriate interpretation.”