Galway Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC) has officially opened the doors to its new building and permanent home in The Claddagh, Galway marking a historic moment in the organisation’s more than four decades of service to the community. The official opening took place on Monday, 3rd November and was attended by Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard and Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan.
Together with the Board of Management, Executive Director and team, supporters, and members of the community, Galway Rape Crisis Centre celebrated a milestone made possible through years of dedication, advocacy, and the generous backing of those who believed in the Centre’s mission.
Founded in 1984, Galway Rape Crisis Centre provides vital, free, and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse across Galway and the western region. The move to a permanent home represents not only stability for the organisation but also a place of safety and dignity for all who need its services.
"This building stands as a testament to hope, to courage, and to community. For forty years, GRCC has walked alongside survivors, listening, supporting, and helping to rebuild lives. The creation of this new home was made possible by extraordinary generosity and belief in our work. It is more than bricks and mortar, it is a symbol of healing and of a society that refuses to turn away," explained Executive Director of GRCC Cathy Connolly.
The new building was realised through a combination of public funding, private donations, pro bono work and community support. Key donors and partners recognised the urgent need for a dedicated, purpose-built space to ensure GRCC can continue to expand its counselling services, outreach programmes, and education initiatives.
The Claddagh location, rooted in Galway’s heritage and sense of community reflects the Centre’s commitment to accessibility, compassion, and belonging. Designed to provide warmth, privacy, and a sense of calm, the building includes counselling rooms, group spaces, and areas for training and education.
Minister O’Callaghan acknowledged the essential work of GRCC and the importance of ensuring survivors have a safe and supportive place to turn to. "The Galway Rape Crisis Centre plays a vital role in supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence and in challenging attitudes that allow such harm to persist."
"Sexual violence remains a pervasive issue, affecting thousands across the country, and one of the key objectives in our ‘Zero Tolerance’ Strategy is to encourage victims and survivors to come forward, to access support and ultimately to report the crimes that are being committed against them. I believe this new home for GRCC represents real progress in that objective, as well as compassion, and a collective commitment to justice."
Mayor Mike Cubbard commended the resilience and leadership shown by the GRCC team and the people of Galway who have supported the Centre’s work for decades.
The opening of GRCC’s new home is both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing need to support survivors, to educate, and to continue building a society grounded in respect and empathy.
To find out more log onto www.galwayrcc.ie.
All Photos by Andrew Downes
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