Cavan to be prioritised for new refuge spaces

A long awaited report has recommended changes.

Eight refuge places are to be provided for Cavan and Monahgan following the publication of a major review into the provision of the spaces.

There has long been a call for a prioritisation of the region as there is currently no dedicated refuge for people fleeing domestic violence in the counties.

The long awaited Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence has been published, outlining the priority areas for refuge provision, as well as long term structural reforms to improve supports for victims and tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

The review highlights gaps in geographical coverage and inadequate provision of safe accommodation, including refuges, to meet the country’s needs.

Tusla recommends an approach to address these issues with immediate, medium and long-term actions required.

Domestic violence services locally are provided by the Tearmann service based in Monaghan town but the two counties, Cavan and Monaghan, are without a dedicated refuge space. People instead are forced to travel to neighbouring counties.

The review says that a minimum of between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed across the country as a priority. However, it goes further by identifying 10 locations nationwide where the delivery of 82 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised.

It has recommended eight family places be made available in Cavan and Monaghan. Other counties also identified as a priority are Longford, Sligo, Westmeath and parts of Cork.

The development has been welcomed locally.

Local TD Brendan Smith (FF) has long called for a better provision of services locally. In a statement, he said local authorities are expected to have more of a role in the provision of safe spaces.

“The statement by Minister McEntee and Minister O’Gorman states that Tusla will have further engagement with local authorities including Cavan and Monaghan Councils to source refuge provision in each county.

“The recommendations contained in this review need to be acted upon without delay and hopefully we will see much needed progress in this area in ensuring services locally for persons affected by domestic abuse.”

Local Fine Gael TD and Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys says the report has set out the framework for further progress.

“The Government is committed to delivering a strong response to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. It is clear that more needs to be done, both for those who are in immediate need of a safe place, but also in tackling the root causes of gender-based violence in Ireland. Through the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-based Violence, we can deliver that transformative change”.