Opposing the construction of “hostile architecture”, protesters on Thursday evening tore down barriers erected by Waterways Ireland to stop asylum seekers from camping along the Grand Canal in Dublin.
Around 200 protesters gathered in Portobello, demanding that Waterways Ireland remove the 2km fencing.
One person was arrested in connection with the incident, but was released later without charge.
Protesters argued that the core issue is the failure to address the lack of housing and homeless accommodation in the country. The coalition of groups further highlighted that those living in tents on the canal have faced eviction and threats of violence.
According to RTE, over 360 tents have been removed from the Grand Canal since May at a cost of €145,000 to Waterways Ireland.
Waterways Ireland, which is responsible for the canal, has been facing the ire of protesters, who accused the body of isolating and segregating asylum seekers.