‘Every effort’ to establish local refuge

“Every effort” is being made to achieve the delivery of a new refuge for victims of domestic abuse in Cavan and Monaghan.

The Anglo-Celt can confirm that a group of stakeholders have met “a number of times” already in 2023 “with a view to beginning plans”, with the focus firmly set on “identifying a site” and initiating a “more formalised” outline for any such proposed service.

Representatives of Tusla, the Departments of Housing and Justice, Cavan and Monaghan county councils and gardaí have been engaged in these meetings, along with local DV organisation, Tearmann, and Safe Ireland.

Last year a Tusla report recommended providing eight dedicated refuge spaces locally.

As it stands spaces are found on a case-by-case basis, often in hotels or B&Bs.

The delivery of 98 refuge spaces nationally is a key action in June 2022’s Zero Tolerance strategy aimed at tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

The €363 million implementation plan contains 144 detailed actions to be implemented last year and in 2023. By the end of the strategy, the government hope to add over 280 refuge spaces, more safe homes and other safe accommodation options for victims of domestic violence.

A spokesperson for Tusla informed the Celt: “This will be the fastest ever expansion of refuge spaces.”

They add that the Zero Tolerance Strategy also commits to ensuring that every county has a refuge, and to “examining other options” for victims of domestic violence, such as addressing barriers to remaining in the home if that is their “preferred option”.

In 2022 an additional 12 Safe Homes were put in place, with a further increase from 32 to 50 expected by the end of 2023.

By the end of 2024, it is expected 24 refuge units will be delivered in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan.

Twelve other locations have been identified nationwide for the delivery of 98 family refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, where they would have the “most impact” if prioritised.

This includes Cavan/Monaghan, along with Sligo, Westmeath, Longford, Cork city, North Cork, West Cork, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown, Portlaoise, Balbriggan, Carlow, and Offaly.

To “increase the pace of delivery” the Tusla spokesperson says members of an interdepartmental steering committee are currently working together to “support developments”.

“Work is ongoing to develop more systematic processes and build in additional supports for organisations and communities taking forward refuge developments,” they say, with “additional resources” allocated in 2023 to support capacity and progress developments.

In Cavan/ Monaghan they say that the “group of stakeholders” here has met “a number of times” in 2023, with a view to “beginning plans” to establish a Cavan/Monaghan refuge.

“The current focus in Cavan/Monaghan is on identifying a site and initiating a more formalised project.”

The spokesperson concludes by saying that many factors can influence the speed at which a capital project is delivered such as the identification of a suitable site or building, planning and tendering processes, appointment of contractors etc. “However, as an identified priority area, every effort will be made to ensure that supports are put in place to achieve delivery of the refuge and support services in Cavan/Monaghan.”