Councillors to debate blocking sale of state's last Magdalene Laundry

A motion aiming to block the sale of the last Magdalene Laundry in the possession of the state will be debated by Dublin City councillors tonight.

Councillors to debate blocking sale of state's last Magdalene Laundry

A motion aiming to block the sale of the last Magdalene Laundry in the possession of the state will be debated by Dublin City councillors tonight.

It is set to be sold to a Japanese no-frills hotel chain, which survivors say is insulting to the memory of those who were forced to work there.

The local authority plans to use the money to redevelop buildings in the Sean McDermott Street area for housing.

Campaigners are calling on the council to use the building for a different purpose, with a petition signed by close to 10,000 people sent to councillors.

"The horrors of the past can only be overcome if we face them," said Uplift founding director Siobhan O’Donoghue.

"To simply sell off this building to a budget hotel chain is an insult - and it’s damaging to the women who faced abuse there.

"That’s why it’s so important we force Dublin City Council to stop the sale of this building - and instead use the building to make sure we never forget what happened instead."

Digital Desk

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

National Risk Assessment for Ireland Medicine-resistant infections the biggest risk facing Ireland, experts warn
Record level of children and adults in emergency accommodation Record level of children and adults in emergency accommodation
'Very high likelihood' of further cyberattacks on Irish IT systems 'Very high likelihood' of further cyberattacks on Irish IT systems
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited