DOCKLANDS authorities are refusing to erect "unfeasible" safety barriers around the Grand Canal Dock area in Dublin despite a fifth fatality.

The body of a man was pulled from the water last week after he drove his van into the water, but the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) says it is unfeasible to provide barriers as they might interfere with docking boats. Residents, now irate, say something must be done.

The Dublin City Coroner has also expressed serious reservations over safety in the area. However, in a letter to Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews, Gerry Kelly, acting chief of the DDDA, said it was "unfeasible" to erect barriers but that other options were being considered.

"As Waterways Ireland has a requirement that the dock allows for the mooring of vessels to its quay walls, the implementation of a handrail... has been deemed unfeasible. Alternative safety improvements are currently under review… including additional warning signage, fixed obstacles to divert persons away... and additional lighting," he said.

Neither the DDDA nor Waterways Ireland would be drawn on deepening local concerns over the safety of pedestrians in the area.

"How many people have to die before this is sorted? That is five people too many," said local resident and former election candidate Esther Uzell.

At around 10pm last Wednesday a van driver plunged into the water. The incident was believed to be deliberate but has nevertheless furthered calls for barriers to prevent such tragedies. Locals say passers-by have fallen in by accident and others have questioned whether there were other Liffey deaths not attributed to the area because bodies have been swept to other locations.