Domestic refuge nears completion at former Magdalen laundry

The evolution of the former Magdalen Laundry into a state-of-the-art refuge for victims of domestic abuse is nearing completion – with COPE Galway expecting to move into their new home early next year.

In an update on progress this week, the charity said that contractors are expected to hand over the building on Forster Street before Christmas, and to be in a position to start fitting out the building early in the New Year.

And COPE Galway expects the service at Modh Eile House – the name of its new Domestic Abuse Service and Refuge, which translates as ‘Another Way’ – to be operational early in 2020.

That won’t be a moment too soon, because COPE Galway’s current Domestic Abuse Service and Refuge, located at Waterside House, can accommodate just six women and 15 children.

Yet, so far this year, 507 women were supported by the service, of which 48 women and their 55 children were provided with refuge.

They also supported a further 119 women and their 204 children who they were unable to admit immediately to the refuge.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune