National Centre for Research and Remembrance

What is it?

Remembering and memorialising those who lived, and in many cases died, in institutions across Ireland is an important step for many Survivors. The Irish Government is currently developing plans for a National Centre of Research and Remembrance, dedicated to all those who lived in Industrial Schools, Magdalen Laundries, Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions, Reformatories, and related institutions. The Government states that the Centre will be a “site of conscience to honour equally all those who spent time in… institutions.”

The Centre will act as a repository for personal testimonies of Survivors. This is vital, as Survivors were silenced for decades by institutions, societal pressure, and stigma. For those who wish to contribute, the opportunity to tell their story is an essential step in healing.

It will also serve as a place of education and reflection, where the public can learn about the lived experiences of those who endured institutional life.

Where is it?

The National Centre is being developed on the site of a former Magdalen Laundry on Sean McDermott Street in north inner-city Dublin.

There is also a commitment to creating a physical presence in local museums and libraries, along with travelling exhibitions to widen access for Survivors. An online presence will ensure that people unable to visit in person can still engage with the Centre’s work.

What will be in it?

The Centre will include:

• Exhibition space and museum, run by the National Museum of Ireland, telling the story of the institutions and the lives of those within them. This will be an important tool in commemorating residents and educating new generations.

• Garden of Remembrance, a place for visitors to reflect on their own experiences or those of loved ones.

• Research centre and records repository, integrated with the National Archives. These will include both institutional and personal records. Orlaith McBride, Director of the National Archives, emphasised that the “privacy rights of Survivors and their families in relation to their individual and personal records will be absolutely paramount.” Staff will be trained to handle trauma-informed support, with dedicated opening times for Survivors.

• Wider site facilities, including:

o   Educational spaces promoting lifelong learning

o   Family and parenting support facilities

o   25 units of social housing

A copy of the Master Plan can be viewed at gov.ie.

Survivor Consultation

An initial consultation (July–September 2023) produced numerous recommendations, with Survivors emphasising that they must be at the heart of the Centre’s development, including exhibition design and content.

Key recommendations included: - Survivor stories forming a central part of the museum, covering all types of institutions and experiences - A welcoming space where Survivors can gather and access information and support - Sensitive handling of records, robust data protection, and transparency

Links to the consultation report and Steering Group’s response are available at gov.ie.

Ongoing Engagement

Between October 2024 and February 2025, further consultations took place in Cork, Dublin, Galway, and online, attended by 265 people. Survivors, affected persons, advocates, and key organisations—including the National Museum of Ireland, National Archives of Ireland, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), and the Office of Public Works (OPW)—all contributed.

Seven key themes emerged:

1.        Survivor involvement in decision-making

• Continued engagement with Survivors and affected persons

• Appointment of Survivor representatives to advisory roles, including the National Archives Advisory Council and museum panels

2.        Co-creation and design with Survivors

• Survivors’ voices will shape the design and interpretation of the Centre

3.        Truth and lived experience

• The Centre will be a space where Survivors are heard, believed, and able to share their stories in their own words, collected in a trauma-informed way

4.        Trauma-informed environment

• A safe space where Survivors can gather, access information, and receive trained support

5.        Records and privacy

• Survivors’ access to personal records will be prioritised, with privacy strictly protected. The Archives will also capture Survivor statements alongside official records.

6.        Local and global engagement

• Local memorialisation via museums and community spaces

• A digitised archive to support access for those overseas

7.        Feedback and future engagement

• Feedback from engagement events will inform ongoing planning and development

Further information is available at gov.ie, with a video overview from the Steering Group at YouTube.

This Centre represents a vital step in honouring Survivors, safeguarding their testimonies, and ensuring that the lessons of the past remain visible for future generations.