Funding of €100,000 is essential if COPE is to realise its plans to increase the capacity of the Waterside House women’s refuge and expand the range of services it offers.
This is the view of Fine Gael Galway West TD Brian Walsh who is calling on the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan to sanction the funds for the refuge for victims of domestic violence in Galway city.
COPE has provided a refuge and outreach service for thousands of women and children at Waterside House in Courthouse Square since 1981. Last year, some 150 women and their children sought refuge at the centre but almost twice as many had to be referred elsewhere due to limited capacity.
“Sadly, there is growing demand for these services and additional funding is urgently required to allow COPE continue its invaluable work in supporting women and children affected by this terrible problem,” said Dep Walsh.
According to Dep Walsh COPE has “ modest plans to increase the capacity” at Waterside House from six family rooms to seven, provide a kitchen and dining area, and a play area for children.
Dep Walsh has written to Minister Hogan to outline “the fantastic work COPE does in Galway” and he has asked him to consider the provision of funding to allow the charity to upgrade its refuge. Minister Hogan has indicated he will explore the possibility of providing funding.
