Over 50 housing units for domestic violence victims backed by Cork City Council  

Cork city councillors have voted to approve more than 50 housing units for victims of domestic violence, managed by Good Shepherd Cork in partnership with Cork City Council.

The 52-bedroom refuge will provide accommodation to victims of domestic violence at the site of the long-vacant convent at Evergreen Rd, Turners Cross, adjacent to the Capwell Bus Depot.

The Presentation Convent — a three-storey structure dating from the 1930s which is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage — occupies the eastern portion of the site.

The plans include the renovation and extension of the existing convent building, to incorporate nine one-bed apartments, 11 studio apartments, and associated support services.

The project will also involve the construction of two new, four-storey residential blocks, comprising eight three-bed apartments, 16 two-bed apartments, and eight single-bed apartments.

A total of 13 submissions/observations were received by council planners in relation to the proposal, expressing concerns about a lack of parking spaces, and that there were already inadequate services in the area for residents.

Feedback

In response to feedback from councillors and residents, the amount of parking was increased from 13 to 15 spaces, alongside 68 bike parking spots.

Cork City Council said that the number of parking spaces had been increased, and the local authority added: “It is to be noted that the domestic violence refuge is a short-term emergency facility [typically up to 12 weeks], meaning many residents will retain existing GP and school links, minimising local demand spikes.”

The plans for the development went to a vote, with all elected members except Independent councillor Albert Deasy voting in favour of the project.

Mr Deasy said the plans had “wholly inadequate” parking and constituted “gross overdevelopment”, which he said would leave women and children living in cramped conditions.

Many other Cork city councillors spoke in favour of the development, with Social Democrats councillor Niamh O’Connor saying that Mr Deasy opposing the development “on the grounds that you have concerns for women and children is absolutely ludicrous”.

Cork City Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan said: “The proposed development will greatly improve the provision of secure, high-quality social housing and refuge accommodation in Cork city.”