IRELAND'S first housing development for women and children made homeless by domestic violence was officially opened by the President, Mrs Robinson, yesterday.
Aimed at furthering the reintegration into society of abuse victims, the Sonas project comprises 25 houses in a community setting on the north side of Dublin.
The President was joined at the opening by the author Roddy Doyle, who read from a novel in progress.
Funded by the Department of the Environment under its Social Housing Programme, the £1.2 million project was initiated by Women's Aid in 1992. Construction was delayed for a number of months by local objections but work was completed earlier this year and the first tenants moved in.
It includes a large meeting hall and community centre where education groups, training classes and a play room have been established.
According to the Sonas chairwoman, Ms Muireann Morris, it is designed as a stepping stone for women and children who wish to create a new home of their own.
She said: "It is different from sheltered housing in that there is not 24 hour staff available. But there is a full time support worker who acts as a counsellor and mediator and helps the women with housing details or legal issues. The aim is to encourage independent living and eventual relocation to a new community."
Already two families have relocated, although there is still a waiting list of 50 people who are now in emergency accommodation or continuing to live with domestic violence.
Referrals are made with Dublin Corporation approval as all tenants must be on its housing waiting list. Tenants must also have completed the necessary legal procedures guaranteeing their safety, before they can move in, Ms Morris said.
"The legal situation should be sorted out so that the women aren't being pursued by a violent partner. Otherwise we would be putting them and their neighbours in danger."
While she welcomed the Government's funding of the construction work, she said further resources were needed to provide necessary support staff on a continuing basis.
