DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL has sought to placate activists and survivors groups today after stating that there would be a memorial put on the site of a former Magdalene Laundry located on Sean McDermott Street.

Doubts about the future of the site were raised after Dublin councillor Gary Gannon said that a Japanese hotel chain Toyoko was the likely buyer for the site.

Gannon said that he had requested clarification that there would be a memorial for the Magdalene survivors, and called it “reprehensible and unforgivable” that it seemed to be an “afterthought” in the process.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today, thedeputy chief executive of Dublin City Council Brendan Kenny confirmed that the budget hotelier was the most prominent bidder, but said that whatever the outcome of the sale that there would be a memorial put in place.

“There will definitely be a memorial for the residents of the Magdalene home… That will be stitched into the development agreement with the developer.”

The councillor has said previously that the site should be preserved as a centre for commemoration and remembrance, and not sold off for private interest.

The Sean McDermott Street site could sell for €14.5 million. The final decision will be taken in spring next year, Kenny added.

Read: ‘Burn it to the ground’: What should be done with Magdalene laundry buildings?

Read: Japanese hotel chain is ‘likely’ buyer for Magdalene Laundry site – councillor

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