Abigail Centre closes in Finglas after years of controversy

The Abigail Women’s Centre in Finglas has permanently closed down after being mired in controversy since it first opened in 2015.

The centre, which was located on Kldonan Road, was a 40-bed facility for homeless women with local representatives calling for its closure for several years.

The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) confirmed the move in a letter to DCC management earlier this month.

In a letter to councillors, Aidan Maher, a senior executive officer of the council said: “The DRHE has confirmed to me that the Abigail Centre closed on the 25th October and all Novas residents have been transferred to existing facilities.

“Novas will continue to use the back office for administrative purposes and the kitchen will remain operational to ensure services across the city, until alternative facilities are sourced.”

Novas is a voluntary homeless organisation which helped run the centre.

It is understood a new centre for homeless women will be relocated to another site.

Independent councillor for Finglas, Noeleen Reilly said the news has been welcomed by the local community.

“I am pleased to see the Abigail centre has closed in Finglas.

“The centre itself has long been contentious in the area with residents as there has been a consistent number of anti-social incidents stemming from the centre.”

Reilly says that problems have dogged the centre since its opening, including property damage and drug dealing.

“From the beginning there was issues with lack of security and proper facilities supporting the clients,” she said.

“This resulted in issues developing with local residents where their properties were getting damaged and there was an increase in drug dealing in the area.

“I’m sure today’s announcements with come as a relief to all those who campaigned to get the centre closed.

Reilly says the failure of the centre has set precedent for future similar facilities.

“There needs to be a lot of learning from placing homeless centres in residential areas where clients have a high number of needs.

“We need to provide people with a safe place to stay and a place where they can try and get treatment for any issue they may be experiencing.

“Just placing facilities in areas without providing for all their needs will only lead to trouble as seen with the Abigail Centre.

“All of the clients have been moved to the existing facilities and it is imperative that all the supports are in place to help people where they need it,” she says.

Local Fianna Fail TD Paul McAuliffe says there was a “six-year battle” to close the facility.

Fianna Fail councillor Keith Connolly said: “There have been numerous complaints since it opened, and residents have long awaited it’s closure,” he said.

“Since I was elected in 2019, I have asked over 20 questions seeking the relocation of this facility right up to chief executive level.

“I am pleased to see Dublin City Council finally deliver on its commitment to close and relocate the centre”.

Deputy McAuliffe says the centre was opened despite warnings from local agencies.

“I have pushed to have this service relocated for over six years since it was opened against the advice of local agencies and against the wishes of local residents.

“The new more central location will be better placed to help the vulnerable service users and closer to wrap around services,” he says.

“I am pleased that this service is finally being moved to a more suitable location.

“The land can now be used for much needed housing which will be designed and approved in consultation with local residents.”

In July 2020, two women were found dead in the centre, only a few hours apart.

The first discovery was made at about 6am on Tuesday, July 21, of a woman, 34, in her room.

It is understood she was a mother and died by suicide.

It is understood Dublin City Council plans to demolish the existing centre and develop housing for the area.

The first phase of construction will consist of 75-units of social housing, including a mix of older persons accommodation.

The second phase will be 75 affordable purchase houses.

Both phases will have to go through the full planning process with an initial completion date of 2024.