The girlfriend of a convicted rapist has been refused a transfer to a local authority house on the west side of Galway city because of the concerns of local residents over the safety of their children.
The girlfriend of the 33-year-old man, who is serving a six-year sentence in Mountjoy Prison for the rape of a 15-year-old boy, was granted a transfer from local authority housing on the east side of the city to a house at the Tulach Ard Estate in Rahoon.
But the Tulach Ard Residents' Association staged a protest at City Hall after the woman told her new neighbours that he would be staying with her when he was released.
A spokesperson for the residents said that they were concerned that the rapist would be on holiday release at Christmas and staying in the 52-house estate, where there was a large number of young children.
His girlfriend had been experiencing difficulties in Castle Park, on the other side of the city, and had requested a move to the west side to be near her family.
The residents held a protest at City Hall last Tuesday afternoon and met the city manager, Mr Joe Gavin, to outline their fears. Corporation workers have since changed the locks on the door of the house. Mr Gavin confirmed that the transfer would not be going ahead.
The man was convicted in 1995 of raping a 15-year-old east Galway boy.