Planning permission refused for refuge for battered wives

October 1985

Wexford Corporation has refused planning permission for a refuge for battered wives in Maudlintown on the grounds that it would devalue the adjoining property.

The decision was taken on Tuesday following a meeting at the weekend at which just two councillors opted in favour planning permission being granted.

Every member of the Corporation voiced support for the setting up of a refuge for battered wives in the town, but only Cllr Michael Enright of the Workers Party and Cllr Vincent Byrne, Ind., felt that the semi-detached house in Maudlintown was suitable.

Co. Manager Noel Dillon refused permission for the Wexford Family Aid development on the grounds that it would depreciate the value of the adjoining house but also because it would restrict the enjoyment and amenity of the neighbouring property.

A further reason given was its situation fronting a national primary road, a factor which the Manager described as ‘undesirable’ for a development of an institutional nature, accommodating a relatively high proportion of children.

The owner of the adjoining house is [NAME WITHELD] who voiced strong objections when the proposal was made known but a large number of other residents also signed a petition urging planning officials to disallow the development.

Most people cited worry about possible disturbances in the area as their main reason for objecting to the proposal.

Mary Enright, a member of the Family Aid group which has been struggling for a number of years to have a refuge sited in the town, expressed her ‘strong disappointment’ at the Corporation’s decision.

The group would now have to hold a meeting to consider its next step, she added.

At last Friday’s meeting of the Corporation, Ald. Dominic Kiernan, F.F., said it would be unwise to site the refuge in Maudlintown because of the residents’ objections.

Cllr John O’Flaherty, F.F., told colleagues that he didn’t realise the extent of family violence problems in Wexford until he was approached by members of Family Aid.

But he felt it was the responsibility of the Health Board to provide facilities.

Cllr Helen Corish, Lab., who supports the principle of a centre, said that the Maudlintown site was ‘not the most perfect’. She went on to praise Wexford Family Aid for their work on behalf of battered wives.

Cllr Enright said he believed the people of Maudlintown were misguided in their objections and their fears were unfounded.

He wanted to be put on record as being in favour of the centre, in spite of objections from residents.