Convent site to be developed as refuge

Multi-million-euro funding approval has been announced for a new domestic violence refuge in Cork city’s Turner’s Cross.

The development will see the refurbishment of the former Christ the King Presentation Convent and the construction of a new apartment block containing a 20-unit domestic violence refuge with associated services.

Construction on the new development is expected to begin in the second half of 2028.

A further 32 social homes are proposed for the site in a subsequent phase of development.

The refuge will be developed by Good Shepherd Cork and Cuanlee Refuge in partnership with Cork City Council under the Government’s Capital Assistance Scheme and will now progress to the pre-tender stage.

Due to reasons of commercial sensitivity, an exact funding figure has not disclosed, but it is believed to be a multi-million-euro sum.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who is a local TD for the area, said he was “delighted” at the news, saying it was a very positive development for the city.

“Good Shepherd Cork and Cuanlee have an exceptional record in delivering assistance to the vulnerable, particularly in the area of domestic violence,” Mr Martin told The Echo.

“It’s good to see the convent being refurbished — it’s where I first went to school — it’s an excellent use of the site, and it’s great that a housing development is on the way too. Under the Government’s zero tolerance strategy on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence — which aims to significantly expand refuge capacity nationwide — Cork city has been identified as a priority location. Built in the 1930s, Christ the King Presentation Convent on Evergreen Rd in Turner’s Cross has been vacant for several years. Funding approval for the new domestic violence refuge was announced by housing minister James Browne and justice minister Jim O’Callaghan. Mr Browne said the funding would deliver a new 20-family domestic violence refuge, providing safe accommodation alongside dedicated counselling, therapeutic, and support services. “The redevelopment of the structure will also deliver 32 social homes on the site, alongside the new refuge, helping to provide much-needed social housing in Cork city, while bringing this important existing site back into use,” said Mr Browne. Mr O’Callaghan said the new development would significantly increase refuge capacity in the region, and ensure that those experiencing domestic violence have access to safe accommodation and specialist supports. “Providing safe accommodation is a cornerstone of our response to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, and this project represents another important step in delivering on the commitments set out in the zero-tolerance strategy,” he said. Alison Aldred, CEO of Good Shepherd Cork, said that approval would allow the charity to go to tender for the construction of the full development at Turner’s Cross. “The refuge will provide women and children leaving violent homes with vital, safe, and dignified emergency accommodation with a wide range of practical, social, and therapeutic supports to assist them to move on well from their experiences of violence,” she said. Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, said the funding approval marked a significant step forward in collaborative efforts to provide safe accommodation and supports for victim-survivors of domestic violence in Cork.