Fencing off the city to prevent homeless asylum seekers from setting up tents is not a sustainable solution to the immigration accommodation crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on integration, said:
“Just hours after removing more than 100 tents from along the banks of the Grand Canal, there are already reports of new encampments in Ringsend and East Wall.
“The lack of a clear Government plan to deal with this issue is simply moving extremely vulnerable people from one part of the city to another.
“Fencing off sections of the city’s streets or amenity areas, such as canal banks, is not a sustainable solution but appears to be the Government’s only real strategy. The Tánaiste was unable to outline what plan is in place to deal with this crisis when I challenged him in the Dáil today.
“In the first instance, there must be an immediate audit of all Ukrainian and IPAS accommodation to establish how many vacant beds exist within the system, as well as an assessment of the suitability of any State-owned properties.
“We also need to see the urgent delivery of the six reception and integration centres promised by the Government since 2021.
“We need action instead of reaction.”
May 9, 2024