Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council pens open letter over protests for a women's refuge
'Progress is being made, needless protests are a hindrance and not a help'
The Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council has penned an open letter in response to plans for a protest in relation to the provision of a women's refuge in the county.
The Carlow Women's Refuge Campaign group has called a protest next Monday, February 11 at 2pm outside the Council Offices in Carlow.
The protest will coincide with the County Council's monthly meeting.
In his letter, Cllr Brian O'Donoghue said: "The 18 councillors elected to Carlow County Council, are unanimous in their agreement that there should be a women’s facility in Carlow, across all parties and none.
"Why then, is a protest outside the local authority being organised? The minds of the local authority members do not need to be changed. A protest will not see a women’s refuge or any facility, built, bought or borrowed."
He added: "Why protest outside a building where the people inside want to see action too, and are officially working to achieve this?
"Progress is being made, needless protests are a hindrance and not a help."
Cllr O'Donoghue is seeking to arrange a stakeholders meeting as soon as possible with a number of different agencies in the town "to find common ground, to concentrate efforts, and to move forward together".
Extracts from the letter:
It has come to my attention that a "protest" is to be held outside the County Council offices next Monday, February 11 in relation to the provision of a "women’s refuge" in Carlow.
It is, of course, a constitutional right of the people to do so, if they wish. However, this protest, is aimed at the wrong target, it will NOT achieve anything and we can find a better way.
The 18 councillors elected to Carlow County Council, are unanimous in their agreement that there should be a women’s facility in Carlow, across all parties and none.
Why then, is a protest outside the local authority being organised? The minds of the local authority members do not need to be changed. A protest will not see a women’s refuge or any facility, built, bought or borrowed.
Why protest outside a building where the people inside want to see action too, and are officially working to achieve this?
Progress is being made, needless protests are a hindrance and not a help.
It is not in the interest of the women of Carlow, to create animosity on this issue. It is imperative that ALL interested parties and stakeholders work TOGETHER.
I would like to arrange a stakeholders meeting (ASAP) with representatives of Carlow Women’s Aid, representatives of TUSLA, Rape Crisis Centre, Carlow County Council Housing reps, the Mayor of Carlow, Cathaoirleach of the Muinebheag MD and all members of Carlow County Council who wish to attend, to find common ground, to concentrate efforts, and to move forward together and progress even further the positive steps already taken.
Let’s not politicise this crucial issue for the women of our county, let’s work together in a constructive, frank and clear way. This will not be a political meeting. It will not become subject to hijack nor will it be a cauldron of megaphone diplomacy. We need a considered, joined up, professional and meaningful approach to this issue.
I urge those concerned to call off this protest and work with us, not against us, listen as well as speak, understand as well as demand and do so for the women of Carlow.
Those who are genuinely interested in attending a meeting of relevant stakeholders to help the women of Carlow, can contact myself, those who are not, can protest all they like.