'Scandalous waste of money': Government criticised over 24-hour Grand Canal security

James Cox

The introduction of 24-hour security patrols along Dublin's Grand Canal is being slammed.

They are being brought in a bid to stop homeless asylum seekers from camping along the waterway.

People Before Profit believes the Government is doing this instead of providing them with decent indoor accommodation.

The party's TD Paul Murphy said it was a waste of State funds.

Mr Murphy told Newstalk: "This is another scandalous waste of public money. Waterways Ireland is now spending €30,000 per week on the fencing, to fence off our public space.

"Now they're adding 24-hour security which is going to cost thousands on top of that, all for what purpose?"