Magdalen Laundry site should be developed for housing

Mary Fitzpatrick has renewed her call for the proposal by Dublin City Council to sell the last remaining Magdalene Laundry on Sean McDermott St to be rejected by City Councillors.

A survey conducted and published this week by the Inner-City Organisations Network has revealed that more than 80% of residents do not want the sale of the site to be approved by city councillors.

Mary commented, “Sadly, neither the families of those affected nor the local community have been meaningfully consulted on the future of the last remaining Magdalene laundry on Sean McDermott Street.

“This is a site with major historical significance, in state ownership and I passionately believe that the experience of the Magdalene women must be properly commemorated and the land used to provide desperately needed homes for people in Dublin Central today.

“Ultimately, the proposal put forward fails to appropriately respect those that were incarcerated and treated so poorly in the laundry. The local community has very clearly set out their view of the Council’s proposal and this must be listened to.

“Any suggestion that the State sells this prime, urban, strategically important and public owned site reflects a complete lack of will or ambition to rejuvenate our area. I and many others locally would like to see the Covent Lands site used to provide desperately needed affordable housing in the city centre.  The proposal to sell the land should be immediately and totally rejected.

“We need to reach a better outcome for this site, one that has a real purpose, that respects and values the Magdalene women, the local community and its distinct history, and the needs of those living in Dublin Central.”

Share:

More Posts

Post Office Network

Since the 1700’s Ireland’s Post Offices have continuously evolved to serve our communities. Mary welcomes the Minister of State reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting a sustainable future for our post office network. It is essential. The postmasters have acknowledged how important State intervention and Government support was to ensure

Read More »

National Development Plan

As Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Dublin, Local Government and Heritage Mary thanks Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers and his team for their positive engagement on the revised National Development Plan. Jack will reveal full details of the revised, expected to be close to €100billion, National Development Plan on Tuesday July 22,

Read More »

Protection of Retail Workers Bill

In April 2025 Mary introduced the Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025, a Bill aimed at amending the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to create specific offences for assaulting, threatening, harassing, or abusing retail workers while they are carrying out their employment. Retail workers across Ireland are on the

Read More »

Spokesperson on Dublin, Local Government & Heritage

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has appointed Mary Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Dublin, Dublin City Taskforce, Local Government & Heritage. Mary looks forward to championing our great capital, working with Local Authority Members and other stakeholders to strengthen Local Government and securing government support to protect, enhance and promote our rich cultural

Read More »

Join Mary's Newsletter

Quick Links

Home

About

Latest

Donate

Privacy Policy

Contact Details

© All rights reserved

Website by The Website Shop