Ah yes, the obvious solution to Ireland’s housing crisis: anti-homeless Design.

Waterways Ireland, the body responsible for the canal, has said it is looking into “architectural redesign” and “landscaping” to prevent tents from being pitched at Grand Canal. Over the past few months, images of waste disposal vehicles forcibly moving tents occupied by asylum seekers have circulated, as the government struggles to find accommodation for those arriving in the country.

Now, there are metal fences constructed from Mount Street to Harold’s Cross to prevent homeless people from pitching tents. Waterways Ireland has confirmed that they hope to erect anti-homeless infrastructure by October or earlier. Until building work commences, the metal fences are expected to remain in place.

Waterways Ireland has stated that they acknowledge the fencing is “undesirable” but have installed it due to concerns around the risk to “health and safety, and public health” from people staying in tents by the canal. They have expressed a desire to find an “alternative pragmatic solution that enables people to fully enjoy the canal amenities, protects biodiversity, and is aesthetically appropriate.”

Local residents and businesses have called for the barriers to be removed, complaining that they affect the use of the public amenity, discourage visits to local hospitality businesses, and raise public safety concerns for those using the canal path.

Public space in Ireland is already under threat from hotel and commercial developments. Preventing everyone from using the limited space we have is not the answer, and moving asylum seekers does not address the underlying issue: the housing crisis.

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