€8.4 million loan secured for Edel House

Cork City Council has agreed to provide a loan of €8.4 million to Good Shepherd Cork CLG for the provision of 37 accommodation units at Edel House on Grattan Street.

The loan was approved at the full meeting of the City Council on Monday 9 March under the Capital Assistance Scheme.

According to a report from 12 February 2026 provided by the Housing Directorate’s Acting Director of Services Nicky Carroll, the funding will be secured by a mortgage on the property.

It will be fully funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992.

Edel House provides shelter for women in girls in Cork city, and in 2025, the organisation said that it housed 128 people. Overall throughout the year it provided assistance to 725 women and girls.

Cllr Ciara O’Connor, a member of Cork City Council’s Women’s Caucus said that Edel House has been a lifeline for women in Cork experiencing homelessness and crisis.

“Too often women’s homelessness is hidden and closely linked to domestic violence, trauma, and economic vulnerability.

“Expanding accommodation through Good Shepherd Cork is an important and compassionate investment that will provide more women with the safety, stability, and support they need to rebuild their lives,” she said.

Cllr O’Connor said ensuring women have access to safe housing and specialist supports must remain a central priority for Cork City Council as Cork continues its work as a trauma-informed city.

“Access to safe housing is one of the biggest barriers for women trying to leave abusive or unsafe situations.

“If we are serious about tackling homelessness and supporting survivors of domestic violence, we must continue investing in women-specific accommodation and services like Edel House that provide both safety and specialist support,” she said.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.