Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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135. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the flooding of Binn Bridge by Waterways Ireland in order to prevent homeless persons from taking shelter under same; if she is satisfied that this is a humane and appropriate action by Waterways Ireland in view of the homelessness crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49674/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Binns Bridge, on the N1 in Drumcondra,  is a unique structure where the bridge covers a very deep lock chamber at Lock 2 on the Royal Canal.

The area underneath the bridge has to be retained as accessible for canal boat owners and Waterways Ireland staff in order to manage water levels, operate the lock and navigate along the Royal Canal.

The area is fenced off and locked to prohibit access to the public, as there are two significant ongoing public safety issues at this location.

First, there is a considerable fall and drowning hazard in the deep lock chamber under the bridge particularly after hours of darkness.  Second, over recent years significant anti-social issues have arisen at Binns Bridge. These include drug taking, related criminality and subsequent littering of drug related residue as well as public defecation.

I understand that Waterways Ireland staff and boating members of the public have to operate the lock and Waterways Ireland has a duty of care to provide a safe environment for its staff.  The actions taken by Waterways Ireland were entirely in the interests of public safety and the safety of its staff.

Water levels were raised in July 2017 to fill the area under the bridge when all other measures failed to secure the area to prevent public access for people's own safety. I am advised that Waterways Ireland have met with Garda representatives about the matter and the Gardaí have since advised Waterways Ireland that an appropriate Policing Plan is currently being put in place in respect of the issue.