Mount Street residents and businesses feel ‘barricaded in' as anti-tent fences remain one year on
When barricades were erected along Dublin's Mount Street on May 1st last year, there was a sense of 'relief' and even 'celebrations' among some residents and business owners.
The barriers were installed around the
International Protection Office
(IPO) and its surrounding areas by
Dublin City Council
(DCC) after a significant operation saw the removal of the more than 200 tents which had built up.
The encampment had grown due to a lack of State-provided accommodation for male international protection applicants, while the barriers were to act as a deterrent to prevent the erection of further tents or rough sleeping.
Some 12 months later, what was initially believed by residents to be a short-term measure has become the norm, with those living and working in the area 'barricaded in' and fighting for the removal of the fences.
READ MORE
Some residents who spoke to The Irish Times described feeling 'locked up', believing 'it's never ever going to change'.
Others described themselves as 'fuming' that the barricades have remained for so long and highlighted a general lack of engagement from DCC and Government departments on the issue.
The barriers, installed around the International Protection Office and its surrounding areas by Dublin City Council, have been up for a year. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times
'It's like I'm living in a prison,' said Fran Nolan, a resident in her 70s who downsized and moved from Sandycove to an apartment on Mount Street 11 years ago.
Her building is surrounded by barricades and every morning, she pulls back her bedroom curtains and sees the 'depressing' fencing stretched along her street, behind which weeds grow large and litter builds up.
The barricades have become a source of 'embarrassment,' she added.
'Usually, I have American friends coming to stay with me here and I said to them this year, 'Please, don't come'.
'It's so upsetting when I think of what I have to pay in taxes and everything else to live here, and to be treated like this at this stage of my life,' she said, adding that she and others have been 'totally disregarded'.
Ideally, those living and working on Mount Street would prefer the barriers to be removed and replaced with security personnel to patrol the area instead. This would be similar to the measures taken by Waterways Ireland at the Grand Canal.
While DCC did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publishing, its chief executive, Richard Shakespeare, told business owner Ruth Hamilton two weeks ago that the barricades are 'considered an effective method of ensuring people do not rough sleep or set up camp on the footpaths.
'24-hour security is not something that the city council would consider as it would set a precedent for various other areas of the city that experience similar issues,' he said in an email.
[
Will dramatic immigration law reforms in Ireland change the number of people seeking asylum?
Opens in new window
]
Alongside security patrols, Hamilton suggested the installation of planters or poles instead of the fencing. Shakespeare responded, however, that the council did not believe these would be an 'effective deterrent here, albeit they may look nicer'.
Hamilton, with her husband Clint, owns Mamma Mia, a restaurant on Grattan Street which is located behind the IPO and surrounded by barricades.
'Any suggestion that I've brought to them, they're not taking them on. As far as I'm aware, DCC is happy to leave them up there,' she says.
Describing the encampment which surrounded the IPO as a 'disaster' for her business, she was initially relieved to see the barricades. She believed, at the time, they would be a short-term measure for two months or so until a more practical plan was developed.
'People are not going to come into my restaurant and spend money to look out at a horrific view,' she said.
'It's heartbreaking because our business was booming before the tents and these barriers and, now, we're actually just going month by month at this stage,' she said, adding: 'Our business is on its knees. We just feel like we've been completely forgotten about. It's hard to believe that it's still going on.'
Footfall at Mamma Mia has 'completely diminished' due to the barricades, preventing a recovery from an already severe downturn due to the encampment previously on its doorstep.
Michael Finlay, the owner of the Punnet Health Store, a shop, cafe and deli, however, describes the barricades as the 'lesser of two evils'.
'For six months, I was dragging tents off the front of my property to try and get into work every day, but the barricades have come with their own set of problems,' he said.
While revenue fell by 70 to 80 per cent at the time of tents, it remains at least 30 per cent below what it was prior, which he attributes to the barricades.
'Without fail, every single day, I'll have at least five or six conversations with customers about it.
'Everyone was happy when something was done about the actual tent city, but the longer it's dragged on, it's sapped everyone's energy,' he said.
Although he has largely become used to the barricades, it dawns on Finlay how 'abnormal' they are at certain moments, including when he 'tip toes' around them to carry in stock.
'It has a very detrimental effect on the business but also on the psyche of the area. here's quite a demoralised tone at the moment,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
41 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
Trump warns Iran to make peace after US airstrikes 'obliterate' nuclear sites
US President Donald Trump has called on Iran 'the bully of the Middle East' to make peace following a 'successful military success' which saw US airstrikes 'obliterate' its 'nuclear sites'. Overnight, the American president shocked the world as he confirmed the completion of a 'very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran.' The latest comes amid growing conflict between Israel and Iran, with President Trump previously blocking an Israeli plan to assassinate the Iranian Supreme leader. US President Donald Trump has called on Iran 'the bully of the Middle East' to make peace following a 'successful military success' which saw US airstrikes 'obliterate' its nuclear sites. Pic: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images Taking to his social media site, Truth Social, Mr Trump confirmed the attack on supposed Iranian nuclear sites, revealing 'a full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site [in] Fordow.' He said: 'All planes are now outside of Iran air space. All planes are safely on their way home. 'Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the world that could have done this NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE.' Smoke rises from locations targeted in Tehran amid the third day of Israel's waves of strikes against Iran, on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Pic: KHOSHIRAN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Addressing the nation from the White House following the campaign against Iran, the President called on Iran 'to make peace' or face further attacks which will be 'far greater, and a lot easier.' Mr Trump was backed by Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the television address to America. Trump said: 'For 40 years, Iran has been saying, 'Death to America, death to Israel.' They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs — that was their speciality. Following the attack on Iran, President of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu extended congratulations to Trump for his 'bold decision' to target Iran's nuclear sites which he said 'will change history.' Pic: MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images 'We lost over a thousand people, hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate, in particular, so many were killed by their general, Qassem Soleimani.' Following the attack on Iran, President of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu extended congratulations to Trump for his 'bold decision' which he said 'will change history.' 'America has been truly unsurpassed,' Netanyahu added. On Thursday, Trump said he would confirm whether he was joining Israel's campaign 'within two weeks,' with the 79-year-old coming to the decision far sooner. It comes amid a week and a half of strikes between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13 after Israel claimed Iran were on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. More than 400 people have been killed as a result of the Israeli strikes, according to the Iranian health ministry while 25 people have died in the retaliatory strikes, RTÉ report.
Irish Daily Star
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Star
Trump delivers chilling 10-word warning shot if Iran 'doesn't make peace'
Donald Trump issued a chilling warning to Iran after launching airstrikes that eradicated three of the country's nuclear facilities. "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace," the president said before issuing the 10-word threat: "If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier." He began his speech by detailing the mission that was carried out on Saturday night. "Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's No. 1 state sponsor of terror," Trump began the short speech, which he delivered from the White House on Saturday night. Read More Related Articles Donald Trump dementia fears spike after 'symptom' spotted in President's suit Read More Related Articles JD Vance faces huge backlash for bringing 'uncontrollable kids' to Trump parade A map from The Associated Press shows where the nuclear facilities in Iran are located (Image: AP/OpenStreetMap) "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated," he claimed. The strikes on Saturday night targeted three locations — Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan, according to Trump, who gloated about the attack on his Truth Social just after it happened. "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan," he wrote. "All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home." The attacks were carried out using B-2 bombers (Image: AP) "Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter," he concluded. He later posted a simple picture of the American flag. During his Saturday night address, Trump admitted to working with Israel — in particular, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — to carry out the attacks. He thanked Netanyahu for his support, and Netanyahu later told Fox News, "Tonight, President Trump and the U.S. acted with a lot of strength. President Trump, I thank you. The people of Israel thank you." The Israeli prime minister later issued a statement on his X account, writing, "President Trump and I often say: 'Peace through strength.' First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, @realDonaldTrump and the United States acted with a lot of strength." "Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history," he added in the video message attached to the tweet. "History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons. His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace," he said. The rest of Trump's speech slammed Iran for its political decisions over the years — namely, its backing of rebel groups like the Houthis in Yemen, who have targeted American — and allied — assets in the Middle East for years. He blamed Iran for sponsoring terrorism and went on a tirade about their alleged "roadside bombs." "For 40 years, Iran has been saying, 'Death to America! Death to Israel!' They have been killing our people — blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs. That was their specialty," he said. "We lost over a thousand people, and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate," he continued. He then issued another chilling threat to Iran: "This cannot continue — there will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. "Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all, by far, and, perhaps, the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes," he said. The attacks were a risky gambit to weaken Tehran, with fears of a broader regional conflict on the horizon. There wasn't any immediate reaction from the Iranian government concerning the strikes, but the country's state-run IRNA news agency confirmed the attack on the Fordow facility early Sunday. IRNA reported that Iran's air defenses were activated during the attack, but there wasn't any further information provided about the damage or the nature of the attack, which was carried out by B-2 bombers from the U.S., which were seen heading to the region over the past day. Israeli officials previously said that the U.S.'s 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs that the country alone carries were the only ones that offered a good enough chance to damage the nuclear facilities in Iran. The bombs are carried by B-2 bombers, which the U.S. sent to the region over the past couple of days. They were seen leaving the Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on Friday, according to CNN, and then were detected flying over the Pacific Ocean, likely to Guam, on Saturday. Reports indicate that six bunker busters were dropped on Fordow, while the other facilities were destroyed by about 30 Tomahawk missiles launched from American submarines stationed about 400 miles away, according to Fox News' Sean Hannity. Israel's military warned on Saturday that it's ready for a lengthy war with Iran.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
US launches strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in high stakes war move
The United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian sites on Sunday, joining Israel's ongoing conflict aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear programme in a high-risk move to weaken a longstanding adversary, despite concerns of a wider regional conflict. In a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump claimed that Iran's key nuclear sites had been "completely and fully obliterated." However, there was no independent assessment of the damage. It remained unclear whether the US would continue to attack Iran alongside Israel, which has been engaged in a nine-day conflict with Iran. Trump warned Iran that any retaliation against the US would be met with further strikes. "There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran," he stated, reports the Daily Record. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that attacks had taken place on its Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz sites but insisted that its work would not be halted. The decision to directly involve the US in the conflict comes after over a week of Israeli strikes on Iran, aimed at systematically destroying the country's air defences and offensive missile capabilities while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities. However, US and Israeli officials believed that American stealth bombers and the 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb they carry offered the best chance of destroying heavily fortified sites connected to the Iranian nuclear programme buried deep underground. "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan," Trump announced in a statement on social media. "All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home." In another emphatic social media post, Trump declared: "This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chimed in with acclamation for Trump's decisive move. In a video address, Netanyahu stated: "Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the United States, will change history,". Trump had nothing but praise for US forces involved in the operation, proclaiming, "has done what no other country on earth could do." While officials were not forthcoming with specifics, Fox News host Sean Hannity revealed after his 9 p. m. broadcast that he had spoken directly with the President. Sharing exclusive intel, Hannity specified that the attack entailed six bunker-buster bombs being used on Fordo, while US submarines some 400 miles away fired a volley of 30 Tomahawk missiles towards Natanz and Isfahan's nuclear establishments. The intensity of military strikes has escalated dangerously due to Iran's promise to strike back at any US involvement in the Israeli conflict, posing international risks and personal jeopardy to Trump. His presidency was largely built on a promise to keep America free from costly foreign entanglements and his criticism of interventionist policies. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres conveyed his grave worries, saying he's "gravely alarmed" by the "dangerous escalation" resulting from US action. "There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control - with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world," he highlighted in a formal statement. Friday saw President Trump assure journalists that he wasn't planning to send ground forces to Iran, describing ground troop deployment as "the last thing you want to do." He indicated earlier that his final decision would come within the next fortnight. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's top authority, issued a stern warning to the US on Wednesday, asserting any attacks on the Islamic Republic would "result in irreparable damage for them." Esmail Baghaei Hamaneh, speaking for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, cautioned against US involvement suggesting it could lead to full-scale war in the area. Trump has repeatedly insisted that he will stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, initially believing that the threat of military action would prompt Iran to peacefully abandon its nuclear programme. On Saturday, the Israeli military announced preparations for a potentially prolonged conflict, while Iran's foreign minister warned before the US strike that American military involvement "would be very, very dangerous for everyone." Tensions escalated as Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen vowed to resume targeting US vessels in the Red Sea if the Trump administration joined forces with Israel's military campaign, having previously halted such attacks in May under a US agreement. The US ambassador to Israel revealed that the US had initiated "assisted departure flights," marking the first such flights from Israel since the Hamas-led assault on 7 October 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday that Trump intended to make a decision on the strikes within a fortnight; however, he launched the strikes just two days later. It seems Trump made the decision - possibly swayed by Israeli officials and numerous Republican lawmakers - that Israel's operation had created a favourable situation, potentially offering a unique chance to significantly hinder Iran's nuclear programme, perhaps even permanently. Iran's capabilities impaired According to Israeli sources, their offensive has already significantly hampered Iran's air defences, allowing them to inflict considerable damage on several Iranian nuclear sites. However, in order to obliterate the Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant, Israel sought Trump's aid, specifically the bunker-busting American bomb known as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator. This bomb uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to target deeply buried sites before exploding and is currently only delivered by the B-2 stealth bomber, exclusive to the American arsenal. If used in the attack, it would mark the first combat use of the weapon. The bomb carries a conventional warhead and is believed to be capable of penetrating roughly 200 feet (61 meters) beneath the surface before detonating. The bombs can be dropped consecutively, effectively drilling deeper with each subsequent explosion. The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Iran is producing highly enriched uranium at Fordo, which raises the possibility of nuclear material being released into the area if the GBU-57 A/B were used to strike the facility. Previous Israeli strikes on another Iranian nuclear site, Natanz, specifically on a centrifuge site, have only caused contamination at the site itself, not the surrounding area, according to the IAEA. Trump's choice for direct U.S. military intervention comes after a two-month failed attempt by his administration, which included high-level talks with Iran, to get Tehran to curb its nuclear programme. For months, Trump professed his dedication to a diplomatic effort to convince Iran to give up its nuclear aspirations. He managed to persuade Netanyahu twice, in April and again at the end of May, to hold off on military action against Iran to give diplomacy more time. In recent days, the U.S. has been positioning military aircraft and warships around the Middle East to protect Israel and American bases from potential attacks by Iran. Trump has swung between expressing hope for Iran's "second chance" at a deal and issuing direct threats towards Khamenei, along with demands for Tehran's unconditional capitulation. "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," Trump announced on social media. "He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill! ), at least not for now." Seven years after Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he dubbed the "worst deal ever.", he still faces military tensions with Iran. The 2015 agreement, which involved Iran, the U.S., and other world powers, aimed to provide a long-term solution to limit Tehran's uranium enrichment in exchange for lifting sanctions. Trump criticised the Obama-era deal, condemning it for being overly generous to Iran without addressing their non-nuclear malevolent actions. Facing backlash from his own MAGA base, including influential conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Trump is dealing with suggestions that any further American involvement contradicts his pledge to stop U.S. participation in costly, protracted conflicts.
