Asylum seeker tents removed from Grand Canal for third time

Dozens of tents had been set up in recent days along a small space on the canal.

Contractors erected additional barriers around the site from 5am on Thursday.

The men started to board coaches for alternative sites at 7am.

Latest figures from the Government show there were 1,939 applicants awaiting an offer of accommodation.

The men will be brought to alternative accommodation in Dublin, where they will be housed in tents but will have access to food and sanitary facilities

It is believed that proposed accommodation at Thornton Hall in north Dublin, will not be ready for four to six weeks.