Disused Cork convent to become refuge for victims of domestic violence

At present, there are two domestic violence refuges in Cork city — Cuanlee, pictured, and Edel House. Picture: Dan Linehan

A new refuge for domestic violence victims is being planned for a disused former convent in Cork City.

The proposed development will be on Evergreen Road in Turner’s Cross, and the project planned by Cork City Council is now going through the Part 8 planning process.

The plan incorporates the renovation and extension of the existing convent building to convert it into a refuge with 32 apartments.

The development will include the construction of two four-storey residential blocks, which will comprise eight three-bedroom apartments, 16 two-bedroom apartments, and eight one-bedroom apartments.

The renovated convent building will house nine one-bedroom apartments and one studio apartment.

The project will also include the demolition of an existing chapel on the eastern side of the convent site.

The plans also include 13 car parking spaces and 68 bicycle parking spaces on the 0.69 hectare site.

At present, there are two refuges in Cork city — Cuanlee and Edel House.

Chief executive of Women’s Aid Sarah Benson welcomed the project plans and said there was a need and demand for refuge spaces.

But she added: “I think it is very important to acknowledge that our specialist sector is also delivering thousands and thousands of outreach hours in the community and refuge is never the be-all and end-all. 

"Until we have a national housing strategy that is clear on the gendered nature and differences in homeless people, and has a specific focus on the needs of adults and children at risk of homelessness through domestic violence, we will only be creating a bigger bottle neck if we only concentrate on refuge spaces.” 

Earlier this week, the Irish Examiner reported efforts to develop a refuge in West Cork was being hampered by the delay in finding a suitable site or building in the area.

It came as the Department of Justice launched a new stream of the 'Always Here' awareness campaign to help survivors and victims of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.

The campaign website has information on national helplines for both men and women subjected to domestic and sexual violence.

It includes an interactive map where people can find local services in their county.

Last month, the Irish Examiner reported the number of domestic violence incidents reported to An Garda Síochána in 2024 was 49,230, up from 18,782 in 2016 — an increase of 162%.