Women’s refuge gets time to fund staff

John Breslin

Members of a committee, who feared South Dublin County Council would withdraw its offer of a building by close of business yesterday, have been told it is still available for now.

Council managers want a three-way meeting with the group, Saoirse, and the Health Service Executive in a last ditch attempt to save the proposed refuge.

The offer of a building was made some months ago and campaigners have money to refurbish it as a shelter for eight women and their children.

Now they need E250,000 in order to staff the centre. The HSE said all funds have been allocated this year but it would be "happy" to review the situation later.

Saoirse chairperson Pam O'Connor said there is no women's refuge for the Tallaght/Clondalkin area, which has a population of well over 100,000 people.

"The nearest women's refuge in Rathmines reports that for every woman they can accommodate, they have to turn away three women. 40% of women who present to that refuge are from Tallaght," she said.