Dublin City Council’s proposal to sell the site of the former Magdalene laundry on Sean McDermott Street fails to respect the the Magdalene survivors, the local community, the chronic housing need in Dublin Central and the historic and future strategic value of the site.It is five years since the Taoiseach apologized to Magdalene survivors yet they or the local community were not meaningfully consulted on the future of the site.
There are more than 2,000 applicants on DCC’s housing list in this area, 350 on the homeless list, yet there are only four social units in this development proposal. There are ZERO affordable units in the proposal. There are 140 Student Accommodation units.
This a significant state owned 2 acre site right in the heart of our capital city of enormous strategic importance and potential. The proposal that the state should sell this prime urban public site reflects a deep lack of commitment from the state to regenerate this area and must be rejected.
We must achieve a better outcome that respects and values the Magdalene survivors, local community, historical and future strategic value of this valuable site for Dublin Central.