Sorry for the late notification.
If you, or someone you know, wants to be part of a public consultation into how a former Magdalene laundry in Dublin's inner city could best be transformed into a place of commemoration for all those who went through all those who went through Ireland's brutal mother and baby homes and industrial schools, you'll need to submit a completed questionnaire by Friday 15 September.
The building, on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin 1, was the last such laundry to close in Ireland (in 1996). It is still owned by the state, and was saved from commercial redevelopment in 2019 and given the protection of Site of Conscience status.
Last year, the Government gave approval for it to become a National Centre for Research and Remembrance.
The National Centre will comprise:
- A museum and exhibition space, the development of which will be led by the National Museum of Ireland
- A research centre and repository of records related to institutional trauma in the 20th century, which will form part of the National Archives; and
- a garden space for reflection and remembrance.
In addition, social housing units, educational, family and parenting supports will be constructed, which will make a valuable contribution to the social and economic development of Dublin’s North East Inner City.
Work is underway to progress the planning and development stages of the National Centre, and a Steering Group is driving this work. The Group is now inviting submissions from interested parties, to an initial, open consultation process. Anyone who spent time in one of these institutions, as well as the relatives and advocates, is invited to respond, as their feedback will directly inform the ongoing work.
You'll find more information and a link to the questionnaire, on this gov.ie page.
Image courtesy of Google Street View