Council spends over €200k on metal barriers in and around Mount Street
Metal barriers in and around Mount Street have cost Dublin City Council (DCC) over €200,000 in the past year.
Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that DCC has spent a total of €208,480 on the installation and ongoing maintenance of these metal barriers, which were first erected in May last year.
A spokesperson for DCC said the barriers were put in place 'to deter people from rough sleeping and camping in the area'.
They added that while there are 'no plans at present to remove the fencing', the situation is regularly reviewed.
The barriers were initially installed after over 200 asylum seekers were removed from tents along Mount Street as part of a multi-agency operation.
In response to the increasing number of people seeking shelter in the area, the council introduced the barriers to prevent further encampments.
The aim was to keep the street clear and ensure that individuals seeking asylum would not set up temporary homes in tents, which had previously become a common sight in the area.
The total expenditure for the barriers now stands at €208,480 for the full year, which includes an initial expense of €6,650 for traffic management and the installation of the barriers in May last year.
A further €700 was spent on the removal of equipment shortly after the barriers were put in place. In October, a €700 repair bill was incurred after the barriers were damaged.
However, the most significant expenditure has been the ongoing weekly hire charges, which has totalled €200,430 for the 51 weeks since the installation.
This averages out at almost €4,000 per week.
Despite being viewed as a temporary solution, the ongoing rental of the barriers has sparked criticism, with some questioning whether a more permanent solution should be considered.
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The former headquarters of the Irish League of Credit Unions, which is located nearby, is set to be converted into accommodation for asylum seekers.
The building was sold in 2023 for €9.5m and is now owned by Lower Mount Street Accommodation Services, which has applied for permission to convert the property into a refugee centre.
Although the exact number of residents is yet to be confirmed, estimates suggest the building could accommodate up to 700 asylum seekers.
The property's location, close to the area where asylum seekers have previously been seen sleeping in tents, has raised concerns from local residents.
Many have voiced frustration with the fact they have been living with both tents and metal barriers for over 18 months.
Others have raised concerns about the lack of adequate services and facilities, suggesting the area may not be equipped to handle such a large number of people.
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