Search

24 Feb 2026

Start of €6.5 million domestic violence refuge in Louth a 'bittersweet milestone'

Board Member of Women’s Aid Dundalk, Erin McGreehan TD, has welcomed the start of construction on a new €6.5 million domestic violence refuge facility

Start of €6.5 million domestic violence refuge in Louth a 'bittersweet milestone'

Photo above includes Minister Jim O'Callaghan, Erin McGreehan TD, Cllr Sean Kelly, Ann Larkin Women's Aid, John Maloney Dundalk Women’s Aid, Representatives of Cuan and the Department of Justice

Reporter:

Donard McCabe

24 Feb 2026 7:00 PM

The commencement of work on a new €6.5 million domestic violence refuge facility in Dundalk has been described as a "bittersweet milestone", by board member of Women’s Aid Dundalk and Louth TD, Erin McGreehan, who added that until the day comes where gender‑based violence no longer exists, "it matters deeply that survivors know they are not alone; that community organisations like Dundalk Women’s Aid, Cuan, and the Government stand with them and believe them."

Deputy McGreehan was speaking on Monday as the sod was turned for construction to commence on the new purpose built centre which, when completed, will provide 12 residential units alongside therapeutic spaces, a family access unit, a dedicated youth and child support unit, overnight staff accommodation, outdoor play areas and open green space.
The facility will significantly enhance the ability of Women’s Aid Dundalk to deliver a full range of wraparound services, including counselling and ongoing practical and emotional supports for women and families experiencing domestic abuse.
Welcoming the start of construction, Deputy McGreehan said: "Today is a bittersweet milestone. We would all prefer to live in a society where gender‑based violence no longer exists, where no woman or child ever needs a refuge. But until that day comes, it matters deeply that survivors know they are not alone; that community organisations like Dundalk Women’s Aid, Cuan, and the Government stand with them and believe them."
Deputy McGreehan added that the project represents a vital long term investment in the local community, ensuring vulnerable women have access to the protection and supports they need, not just now but for years to come. She said the new facility will give survivors the space, security and specialist care required to help them through the most difficult periods of their lives.
“Women facing abuse need somewhere safe to turn at the moment they feel most isolated and afraid. Today marks the beginning of a refuge that will offer safety, dignity and reassurance when it is needed most," the Deputy said. 
“As a board member, I have seen firsthand the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown by the staff and volunteers who support survivors every day."
Deputy McGreehan added, “Women’s Aid Dundalk provides far more than a service, it offers hope, understanding and a clear pathway out of crisis for women and families at their most vulnerable.”

To continue reading this article,
please subscribe and support local journalism!

Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles.

Subscribe

To continue reading this article for FREE,
please kindly register and/or log in.

Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!

Register / Login

Most Popular

Sponsored Content

Multimedia

We've got Donegal Covered...

Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie

Buy a paper

Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.

Buy Now
Get the news

Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.

Register Here
Iconic Media is Ireland's largest independently owned regional newspaper and media group, with an unrivalled audience in print, online and mobile. We have 19 regional newspapers and 21 digital sites.

Iconic Digital Titles

  • Carlow Live
  • Clare Live
  • Derry Now
  • Donegal Live
  • Éire Bheo
  • Inish Live
  • Ireland Live
  • Kildare Live
  • Kildare Now
  • Kilkenny Live
  • Laois Live
  • Leitrim Live
  • Letterkenny Live
  • Limerick Live
  • Longford Live
  • Louth Live
  • Mayo Live
  • Nenagh Live
  • Offaly Live
  • Tipperary Live
  • Waterford Live

    • Iconic Print Titles

  • Clonmel Nationalist
  • County Derry Post
  • Derry News
  • Donegal Democrat
  • Donegal Post
  • Dundalk Democrat
  • Homes in Donegal
  • Inish Times
  • Kilkenny People
  • Leinster Express
  • Leinster Leader
  • Leitrim Observer
  • Letterkenny Live
  • Limerick Leader
  • Longford Leader
  • Mayo News
  • Midland Tribune
  • Tipperary Star
  • Tullamore Tribune

    • This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.

    © 2026 Iconic Media