ALERT: Major operation underway in Dublin to move asylum seekers sleeping in tents

A major operation is underway to move asylum seekers who have been sleeping in tents on Mount Street in central Dublin.

The migrants have been sleeping rough, for several weeks, beside the International Protection Office.

Gardai, Dublin City Council and health service personnel are all involved in the operation which began at the site early this Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson for the Government confirmed details of the operation: “A joint operation between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; the Department of Justice; An Garda Siochana; Dublin City Council; the Office of Public Works; and the HSE is under way on Mount Street, Dublin," read a statement.

“The purpose of the operation is to ensure the safe movement of people seeking international protection from the tents on Mount Street to International Protection Accommodation Service (Ipas)-designated accommodation.

“The Ipas-designated accommodation has toilets and showers; health services; indoor areas where food is provided; facilities to charge phones and personal devices; access to transport to and from Dublin City Centre; and 24-hour onsite security.”