Louth secures green light for new domestic violence refuge

Planning permission has been granted for a new domestic violence refuge in Dundalk.

In a project supported by the Department of Justice, Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency, the Department of Housing and the Housing Agency, Dundalk Women’s Aid aims to increase its refuge provision through the construction of a new 12-unit refuge facility in the town.

The project will see the current six units replaced and a further six units added, ensuring a doubling of capacity.

Dundalk is one of 18 priority locations identified for domestic violence refuge development as part of the Government’s work under the Zero Tolerance Strategy.

Deputy McGreehan who is a board member on Dundalk’s Women’s Aid said she is delighted to hear of the progress being made on the refuge.

“I am delighted to hear of the progress being made after the granting of planning permission for a new refuge in Dundalk. This project has been worked on for years now, and it is great that over that time government policy has moved to support plans like this – it is crucially important.” 

“The topic of domestic abuse is something I am so passionate about. I am a member of the Dundalk’s Women’s Aid board, and I am very proud to be part of this hugely important organisation for the thousands they have supported over the years.

Dundalk Women’s Aid aims for a doubling of capacity and fit for purpose safe homes for women and children to start again.

Concluding, Deputy McGreehan congratulated all who have worked tirelessly on this for years, and said she will continue to engage constructively to deliver this facility for the women and families who need it.

“There have been so many who have been working on this for years and I want to congratulate Ann Larkin who is CEO of Dundalk Womens Aid and all the team who were relentless in their ambition to make this a reality.

“I will continue to work with the Department of Housing to ensure that the funding for construction of these vital services is progressed without haste,” she concluded.

The Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD said that: “A core aim of Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, is ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and increasing capacity in the North Louth area has been a priority in this respect.

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“The granting of planning permission for this new refuge is a significant milestone on the road to expanding refuge capacity in the region.

“Developments of this kind involve complex and sustained work by multiple stakeholders, and I would like to acknowledge the dedication shown by Dundalk Women’s Aid, local government, the Housing Agency, the Department of Housing and Cuan in bringing the project to this crucial stage.”