Potential new lease of life as domestic violence refuge for former monastery in Carlow
Planning permission has been sought to change the former monastery on the Dublin Road into a 10 room domestic violence refuge
A new lease of life could be breathed into the former monastery on the Dublin Road in Carlow as planning has been sought to turn it into a domestic violence refuge.
Amber Domestic Abuse CLG has sought planning permission from Carlow County Council.
Should it be granted, the refuge will have ten rooms.
There will be two two-bed units, four one-bed units, and four studio units, as well as support spaces.
The proposal also includes a resident communal and play area, staff facilities, offices, counselling and meeting rooms.
It includes partial demolitions of outbuildings and sheds, as well as alterations to the building.
Alterations would see a new one- and two-storey extension with flat roofs added.
Permission has been sought for landscaping for amenity areas, pedestrian access, bike parking, garden storage, and a plant room.
The planning application was submitted on September 12th, and a decision is due by November 6th.
Submissions must be made by October 16th.
Funding was approved for the Amber Women’s Refuge during the summer, with it hoped to be opened “as soon as possible.”
Construction is expected to be complete by summer 2028.
"A women's refuge for Carlow is something I have long campaigned for, so I very much welcome the announcement that the project has moved onto the next stage," Carlow’s Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor said.
"My commitment is to get this women's refuge up and running as soon as possible for the women and children of Co Carlow,” she added.