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Shocked onlookers were left "outraged" after spare coats for the homeless that were hung on the Ha'penny Bridge were removed this morning.

Kindhearted Dubliners began hanging the jackets up earlier this week as part of the #warmforwinter appeal.

The initiative drew universal praise on social media with many hailing it as a "brilliant" idea.

But footage emerged on Saturday evening of a man, believed to be working for Dublin City Council, gathering up the jackets and taking them off the bridge.

Ali Nic an tSaoir, who shared the video, said: "People have been leaving coats on the ha’penny bridge for the homeless, this morning myself and hundreds of other horrified onlookers watched as DCC took them down. Happy Christmas lads."

As the video gained thousands of shares online, she urged people to donate to the Peter McVerry Trust.

Ali told Dublin Live that some people commenting on the video had told her the coats have been brought to a distribution centre.

Local charity Inner City Helping Homeless also called on the council to clarify what has happened to the generous gifts.

ICHH Head of Communications, Brian McLoughlin, said: "We would ask questions as to who in DCC authorised these jackets to be removed and where they have been removed to.

"The campaign captured the attention of people and highlighted the need for supports for people that are homeless.

"Bad weather would obviously have impact on the campaign but I have spoken to Paddy Fryers, who founded the #warmforwinter campaign, and he confirmed that no one from DCC has made any effort to contact him before removing them.

"He would also like to know what DCC plan on doing with the items left by the public to help the homeless.

"This matter also raises further questions on orders from the council relating to homelessness as our teams have been advised that the council have removed some tents on people while they were away getting something to eat.

"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.”

A spokeswoman for Dublin City Council told Dublin Live: "A decision was taken by Dublin City Council to remove coats and jackets that were hung on the Ha' Penny Bridge railings, by members of the public. The decision was made, based on health and safety concerns, in order to avoid obstruction and congestion occurring along a key pedestrian artery, crossing the river Liffey.

"The items of clothing will be redistributed, to those in need through Homeless Services. Dublin City Council recognises the well intentioned call to action, to which the public responded.

"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.

"Crowd surges are a particular concern and Dublin City Council must, at all times, put public safety first. This is a policy that we enforce, in relation to all objects left on the bridge railings or pathways."

She added: "With mixed weather conditions expected over the coming days, during this winter period, it is likely that such clothing could become damp, rendering them unsuitable for use by anyone.

"Dublin City Council are very open to coming to an alternative arrangement, recognising the spirit of giving and generosity at this time of year. Dublin City Council will work closely, through our existing channels and resources, to determine the best course of action, in assisting with this initiative."