Twenty housing units for domestic violence victims backed by Cork City Council  

Cork city councillors have voted to approve 20 housing units for victims of domestic violence, to be managed by Good Shepherd Cork in partnership with Cork City Council.

The 20-bedroom refuge will provide accommodation to victims of domestic violence at the site of the long-vacant convent at Evergreen Road, Turners Cross, beside the Capwell Bus Depot.

The existing 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 comprise 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 to be used for social housing.

In response to feedback from councillors and residents, the amount of parking was increased from 13 to 15 spaces, which will be put in place alongside 68 bike parking spots.

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

The council said that they had increased the amount of parking, and added: “It is to be noted that the Domestic Violence Refuge (DVR) is a short-term emergency facility (typically up to 12 weeks), meaning many residents will retain existing GP and school links, minimizing local demand spikes.” 

The plans went to a vote, with all councillors except independent Albert Deasy voting in favour. Mr Deasy said the plans had “wholly inadequate” parking and constituted “gross overdevelopment”, which would leave residents (including women and children) living in cramped conditions.

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

This article was updated to clarify that the development comprises 20 housing units for victims of domestic violence, with the remaining 32 units to be used for social housing. The article previously stated that all units were catering to victims of domestic violence.