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File photo - Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge Shutterstock/Tupungato

Coats left on Ha'penny Bridge for homeless removed by DCC for 'health and safety' reasons

The council said that the coats would be “redistributed” through its homeless services.

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL has asked the public not to hang clothes on the Ha’penny Bridge after a number of coats left on the bridge for the homeless were removed for “health and safety” reasons.

In recent days, members of the public have been hanging coats on the bridge for the homeless, under an initiative set up called #warmforwinter. 

A sign placed beside the coats read: “If you need one then please take one… If you want to help, please hang one up.”

However, in a statement, Dublin City Council confirmed that it had removed the coats and jackets hung on the bridge by members of the public. 

The council said the decision was made “based on health and safety concerns, in order to avoid obstruction and congestions occurring along a key pedestrian artery, crossing the River Liffey”. 

“It is the city council’s duty to protect the public and prevent accidents from occurring on this footbridge, through any restrictions in pedestrian flow, particularly at this time of year when thousands of people use this bridge on a daily basis,” the council said. 

The removed items of the clothing will be redistributed through the council’s homeless services, it said. 

Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH) issued a statement questioning where the coats would be donated to after a video circulated on social media of them being removed. 

“We would ask questions as to who in DCC authorised these jackets to be removed and where they have been removed to,” ICHH head of communications Brian McLoughlin said. 

“The campaign captured the attention of people and highlighted the need for supports for people that are homeless,” he said. 

“We would ask DCC to clarify why the jackets were removed and were they donated to a homeless charity or did they simply get rid of them.” 

In its statement, Dublin City Council said it “recognises the well intentioned call to action, to which the public responded”. 

It noted that “with mixed weather conditions expected over the coming days” that it is likely the coats left out “could become damp, rendering them unsuitable for use by anyone”. 

“Dublin City Council is very open to coming to an alternative arrangement, recognising the spirit of giving and generosity at this time of year,” the council said. 

“Dublin City Council will work closely, through our existing channels and resources, to determine the best course of action in assisting with this initiative.” 

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    Mute conri
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:06 PM

    Get well soon Ceejay

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    Mute Paddy o'brien
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 11:48 PM

    This story proves that all we humanoids are really children

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    Mute Seán J. Troy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:02 PM

    We need more of this in the world.

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    Mute Johnneary
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:47 PM
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    Mute jenni
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:11 PM

    Oh what a nice reason to smile..well done Garda Ceejay. Get well soon.

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    Mute Mark Ryan
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:33 PM

    Beautiful tribute! Fair play to the Gardai and other police forces. It often goes unnoticed just how much charity work and work they do in their communities. And best of luck to young ceejay!

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    Mute The Girl
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:03 PM

    Keep fighting lil man and get well soon.

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    Mute Fear Uisce
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:05 PM

    The future looks bright for the force. Get well soon little man

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    Mute ken
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:09 PM

    Good man, Ceejay

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    Mute Patrick
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:08 PM

    Ceejay…hero! Get well little man

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    Mute Catherine Mc
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:18 PM

    Wiping away the tears how beautifully sweet, get well soon little man.

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    Mute Cathal P Forde
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:34 PM

    This is a great article, great to know people around the world care. Get well Ceejay, you will make a great Garda

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    Mute Meehawwl O'Buachailla
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:52 PM

    Ahh janey mackers….in such a cynical world these days some stories do melt your heart sometimes. Top work by all who sent him these messages. Get well soon Ceejay lad. :)

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:34 PM

    Well done Sargent Ceejay, get well soon.

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    Mute Jimmy Murphy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:46 PM

    Superb story. Best of luck young man.

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    Mute Jenny Reid
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:46 PM

    What a brave wee man x

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:29 PM

    Well done to all the police family. Now Ceejay go kick some ass xx

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    Mute Peter Daly
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:45 PM

    Best wishes Garda McArdle.
    Showing great bravery, like any great cop.

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    Mute Alan O Reilly
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:37 PM

    Ah God,best of luck wee man.

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 10:53 PM

    Ceejay stay on patrol my man!

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    Mute Gerry Campbell
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    Feb 24th 2016, 1:01 PM

    Just brilliant , get well soon..

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