Niamh NicGhabhann: Public space design needs to address safety concerns

Planners and architects need to ask people where they feel unsafe, when, and why, writes Niamh NicGhabhann

Gardaí at the Grand Canal at Cappincur, Co Offaly, after Ashling Murphy, a primary school teacher aged in her 20s, was killed on Wednesday afternoon along the banks of the canal. Many of the responses to the horrific news from Tullamore focused on the space and time where it had happened — a well-frequented public space, with the attack taking place at 4pm. If we are not safe in these circumstances, where can we be safe? Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Like many people hearing of the horrifying news of Ashling Murphy’s violent death in Tullamore, my deep sadness and sympathy for her family was matched with a sickening feeling of familiarity. Of jumping out of my skin while walking down a well-lit footpath at dusk because a car of lads decided to scream out their window at me. Of crossing the road and walking quickly away from the footsteps behind me. Of taking my courage in my hands to turn around and look into their face just so they would know they had been seen, at least.

Did any of these men know about my fear, my racing mind, my heart pounding? Probably not. Did any of them mean me serious harm? Probably not. Did I know that? No.