The properties related to St Brigid’s Hospital Campus in Ballinasloe are to be sold by the HSE, with Galway County Council looking to purchase the derelict site.
Cllr Evelyn Parsons received confirmation that Galway County Council is seeking the premises from the HSE to establish a domestic violence refuge for women and children.
Director of Housing at GCC Liam Hanrahan confirmed to Cllr Parsons that the Old Nurses Home at St Brigid’s Hospital will be acquired under the state register listing process.
The Departments of Housing and Justice will be involved and the Council will work with the relevant approved housing bodies to deliver a suitable model for the region.
“There is a major need for facilities with wraparound supportive services for Women and Children fleeing domestic abuse, in what has been termed the shadow pandemic with an alarming rise in cases during COVID,” said Independent councillor Evelyn Parsons.
“Many victim survivors have to remain living with their abusers in the current housing crisis with reduced accommodation options available or else face forced homelessness.”
She said that this is a terrible situation for many adults and children living lives under ‘threat, chronic terror and harm’.
“We know that approximately eight people fleeing domestic abuse are turned away daily and forced to remain in these intolerable situations living with their abuser in many instances or else face forced homelessness to stay safe,” said Cllr Parsons who stated that the next step for Galway County Council will be to agree purchase price.
