New Galway domestic violence refuge to open in 2016

Plans to completely renovate what was formerly a Magdalen Laundry residential quarters in Galway City and turn it into a state of the art domestic violence refuge were unveiled yesterday.

Work is due to start on the project in March and it should be completed and fully operational by early 2016, replacing the current facility at Waterside, Woodquay, being run by COPE.

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, who attended the event, said it was unfortunate that reality demanded such a refuge but praised COPE for providing the service and the Western Branch of the Sisters of Mercy for donating the building on a 99 year lease to be used by women and children, the victims of domestic abuse.

As a symbol of new beginnings for the women and children – 625 women and children were catered for last year in Waterside and as many were turned away due to lack of space – Taoiseach Kenny planted a Silver Birch on the grounds before addressing an attendance of over 100.

The new refuge at 47 Forster Street will have nine self contained units, two of them duplexes for bigger family units, a children’s play area both inside and out, a communal kitchen and living room as well as offices and staff rooms.

They will be able to cater for more, according to Jacquie Horan, CEO of COPE Galway, as Waterside can only cater for six families in confined rooms with no outdoor play area and no kitchen at all following a fire at the premises in Woodquay over three years ago. It has long been declared not fit for purpose and had to turn people away from its doors at the weekend.

One in five women in Ireland are affected by domestic violence – two words, said An Taoiseach, which did not belong together.

“Home is where people come together, where you expect to let your guard down with your family, who expect to be protected in their own home. The idea that violence could invade that sacred space is something that should not only worry us but shock us,” he said.

He said society could no longer, if it ever did, accept domestic violence and he praised COPE Galway for having provided a refuge since the early Seventies.

“Galway is a magical city, according to COPE’s own brochure but there are women and children living in fear of their lives but COPE has provided services for them in a sensitive way protecting the privacy and dignity of these women and children.

“I want to commend all of COPE and its volunteers and the Sisters of Mercy for following in the footsteps of their founder, Catherine McCauley and moving forward in her spirit. I know this will be a haven for the future,” he added.

It will take at least €2.5million to redevelop the building – the Government has already approved funding of €1.6million by way of a Capital Assistance Grant from the Department of the Environment. An application for planning permission will be lodged with Galway City Council, located next door, this week.

A fundraising campaign is expected to raise the balance.

John Concannon, Chairman of COPE Galway said: “The community of Galway have been hugely positive and supportive towards this project and we are very appreciative of all the help we have received so far.

“I now invite the public to help in any way that they can, either by making a donation to the project or offering their services and expertise to complete the project and deliver this new Domestic Violence Refuge for women and children of Galway.”

Sr Elizabeth of the Western Branch of the Sisters of Mercy said they were delighted to get involved in the project following a request from Ms Horan almost two years ago if they would be interested in leasing or renting some space.

Read more in this week’s Connacht Sentinel