Protesters have torn down barriers erected by Waterways Ireland along the Grand Canal in Dublin following a protest calling for their removal.
Around 200 protesters gathered in Portobello yesterday evening, demanding that Waterways Ireland remove fencing that has been erected to stop people from pitching tents along the Grand Canal.
One man, aged in his 20s, was arrested in connection with the incident but was later released without charge.
The coalition of groups called for an end to what they have described as the construction of "hostile architecture" and the removal of access to public space in the area.
They say the underlying issue is the failure to address the lack of housing and homeless accommodation in Ireland.
More than 360 tents have been removed from the Grand Canal since May at a cost of €145,000 to Waterways Ireland.
The protesters have pointed out that those with no other option but to live in tents on the canal have faced eviction and threats of violence.
Almost two weeks ago, two men known to homeless services were found dead in the canal. They were found close to Ranelagh Road bridge on 6 July.
Earlier this week, tents sheltering 15 asylum seekers were attacked on City Quay in Dublin.
Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) Rathmines and Liberties branches, People Before Profit Dublin Bay South, Social Rights Ireland, Fronta Nua, Queer Intifada, University College Dublin Boycott Divest Sanction (UCD BDS) and United Against Racism say 100 properties were listed on the Dublin City Council derelict site register this week.
However, CATU Rathmines said Government subsidies and resources have been going into the construction of expensive and inaccessible private accommodation, which does not meet the needs of people living in Ireland.
"Fencing on the Grand Canal has destroyed the limited public space available in this area and forced people to sleep rough in danger," it said.
United Against Racism accused Waterways Ireland of isolating and segregating asylum seekers and "reinforcing the dangerous myth" that they pose a threat to the rest of society.
Last week, Waterways Ireland Operation Manager Éanna Rowe told an Oireachtas Committee that the fencing would have to remain in areas where tented encampments were "springing up".
He told the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage that the fencing was there "to protect those people in the tented encampments".
In May, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the situation regarding tents along the Grand Canal would not be allowed to develop the way it had on Mount Street.
