Ailish Drake: Thoughtful design of public spaces can make a difference to women's safety

A Garda checkpoint at the Grand Canal Towpath, Capancur, Offaly, near the scene of the fatal assault on Ashling Murphy. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

That Ashling Murphy was out for a run in the middle of the day when she was attacked and murdered is both disturbing and heartbreaking. It makes us question how something like this can happen and what we can do to ensure something will not happen in the future. 

An article by Dr Niamh NicGhabhann, ‘Public space design needs to address safety concerns’, in last Thursday's Irish Examiner, analysed the complex issue of violence against women. Examining the role of designers, architects, councillors, and planners, she wonders if design solutions for public spaces won't solve the problem of violence against women. Can they make a difference?