New domestic violence refuge gets go-ahead

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

Plans to convert the former Magdalen convent building on Forster Street – for use as a €2.5 million domestic violence refuge – have been given the green light by Galway City Council.

COPE Galway has been granted permission for modifications to the existing building, which is a Protected Structure, and extensions to provide nine self-contained residential units, staff accommodation, offices, outreach facilities, meeting rooms, playrooms and a childcare facility.

COPE provides a range of services for women who are victims of domestic violence and the proposal is part of a planned replacement for the existing facilities at Waterside House which are no longer fit for purpose.

Planners approved the application, although they ordered that a conservation professional, an archivist and an archaeologist be employed on the site to monitor works, records items of significance and advise on how to proceed with works.

Construction and demolition work has been restricted to between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

A traffic management plan for the construction phase must also be submitted to the Council, as well as access arrangements for the public to the church and graveyard.

The ground floor will include independent living units, offices, meeting rooms and training rooms, while an extension will be built to house a teenage day area and playrooms. Outdoors, there will be a secure play area and a covered play area.

The first and second floors will include further independent living areas.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.