Interim refuge to open this year

Cavan remains on priority list

Survivors of domestic violence in Cavan and Monaghan will gain access to expanded support services in the coming months, with an interim refuge in Monaghan set to open before the end of the year as longer-term refuge plans continue to progress through the planning process.

The update was provided by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan during parliamentary questions in the Dáil, responding to a question tabled by Sinn Féin Deputy Cathy Bennett, and raised in the chamber by her Cavan-Monaghan party colleague, Matt Carthy.

The Minister confirmed that the Cavan-Monaghan region has been designated a “priority area” for refuge development under the Government’s Zero Tolerance strategy. While he was unable to provide a specific opening date for the permanent refuge, he said an “interim refuge” comprising five family units will become operational in Monaghan, to be managed by Safe Ireland.

Alongside the interim accommodation, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils are expected to provide three “safe homes” in each county during 2026. These homes are intended to offer secure emergency accommodation for people fleeing domestic abuse while broader refuge capacity is developed.

Looking further ahead, the Minister said plans for a permanent refuge in Monaghan are progressing. A Stage 1 application under the Capital Assistance Scheme was approved by the Department of Housing last October, with work now focused on preparing a Stage 2 application detailing construction costs and project specifications.

However, the Minister acknowledged that the process remains lengthy. He said the Capital Assistance Scheme typically takes around 75 weeks to complete before construction begins, with building work itself generally lasting between 15 and 18 months. Once completed, the permanent refuge will provide 12 independent family units together with essential support services.

Deputy Carthy welcomed the progress, noting that when he first raised the issue as a newly elected TD, there had been no plans for refuge provision in either county. He argued, however, that delivery timelines remain too slow, particularly given the commitment made following the killing of Ashling Murphy- that every county should have access to at least one domestic violence refuge.

Deputy Carthy also highlighted the geographical challenges facing the region, pointing to the large distance between west Cavan and east Monaghan, and argued that a single refuge may not adequately serve both counties, particularly given limited public transport links in rural areas.

In May, Cavan was added to the Government’s national priority list for new domestic violence refuge development.

While the Minister agreed with Deputy Carthy, he cautioned against focusing solely on county boundaries, saying locations should reflect where need is greatest.

Minister O’Callaghan also stated that refuges should be viewed as emergency, short-term accommodation rather than a permanent solution and that the Government is working on legislative measures aimed at ensuring perpetrators of domestic abuse, rather than victims, are removed from the family home wherever possible.