DV refuge for Cavan under consideration, Minister confirms
Brendan Smith TD welcomes decision.
A decision to identify Cavan as a “priority location” for the provision of a new Domestic Violence Refuge has been welcomed locally.
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith was informed of the update in response to a Parliamentary Question he submitted to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.
The Government has increased funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026 to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and advance its Zero Tolerance Strategy. The funding boost for Cuan and community organisations supporting victims and survivors is intended to accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, including a planned refuge in neighbouring Monaghan, as well as other enhanced supports for victims.
Both Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council have committed to allocating three units from their social housing stock to deliver an additional six Safe Homes across the region, and Cuan is working with Safe Ireland to finalise operational and staffing costs. These six units are expected to become operational in 2026, with ongoing work to establish a coordinated support structure across both counties.
But the Minister said Cuan is now also “currently considering future options for potential refuge provision in Cavan.”
Deputy Smith welcomed the development, saying: “I understand that the identification of Cavan as a priority location by the Department of Justice will now require engagement between the Department of Housing, Cavan County Council and other stakeholders on site selection and planning, with the project to be progressed through the Capital Assistance Scheme. Initially it was proposed that one refuge centre would cover Cavan and Monaghan, and I welcome this decision to provide additional and necessary provision.”
The Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) Stage 1 application for the refuge site in Monaghan was approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage last October. Work is continuing on the Stage 2 application, which will set out detailed plans and costings for the project. The CAS process typically takes around 75 weeks, with construction usually requiring a further 15 to 18 months.
Safe Ireland is the lead Approved Housing Body for the development.