Light at the end of the tunnel

DV refuge and safe houses for Cavan and Monaghan in coming months

Progress is being made on delivering domestic refuges and safe houses across Cavan and Monaghan for vulnerable women and children fleeing domestic violence with units set to open in the coming months.

Safe Ireland has lodged an application for planning permission to convert the former Ulster Bank building on Fermanagh Street in Clones into emergency refuge accommodation for victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

The temporary facility, which will provide five accommodation units, is expected to be in place for the New Year.

Work has also begun on a new purpose-built refuge at Coolshannagh, Monaghan. When completed, the development is expected to provide between 10 and 12 units, significantly increasing refuge capacity in the region.

Separately, efforts are continuing to identify a site for a future DV refuge in Cavan, with Cavan County Council and Safe Ireland working in tandem on the project.

Additional accommodation is also being developed through a network of safe houses.

Continued from front

Three properties are currently being fitted out in Cavan Town, Swanlinbar and Virginia, while two have been identified in Monaghan, with a third expected to be ready in the new year.

The update comes as support organisations are planning a number of events to mark ‘16 Days of Action’, an annual campaign that runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day) every year.

Speaking after a visit to the interim refuge in Clones, Minister Niamh Smyth said it was “incredibly encouraging” to see the level of progress being made.

The minister said discussions with Christina Lodge, interim CEO of Safe Ireland, and Elizabeth Peña, Head of Service Delivery and Development at Cuan, highlighted the scale of activity and “real momentum behind these projects”.

“These facilities will provide safety, protection and support for women and children when they need it most,” said Minister Smyth.

“While there is still much work to do, it is clear that substantial progress is being made. I remain committed to supporting these projects as they move forward and ensuring that women and children across Cavan and Monaghan have access to the services and safe accommodation they deserve,” she said.

Deputy Brendan Smith also welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Justice that interim refuge accommodation for victims of domestic abuse will be operational in Cavan and Monaghan in the “coming months”.

He had sought an update from Jim O’Callaghan through Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Éireann on the urgent need to provide refuge accommodation in this area.

In his reply to Deputy Smith, Minister O’Callaghan said: “The Cavan-Monaghan region is a priority area for refuge development. Under the Zero Tolerance Strategy, a domestic violence refuge in the Cavan-Monaghan region was agreed as a priority area for refuge development.

“I am advised that Cuan is actively engaged with the all stakeholders including Safe Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils and the Housing Agency, to progress the development of a 12-unit refuge in this region, which will also include community-facing ancillary support services.

Many organisations and campaigners have long since fought for improved DV facilities and supports in this region to help women and children escape dangerous home environments.

Between 2000 and 2026, several women lost their lives through violence in counties Cavan and Monaghan.

In December 2001, Sr Philomena Lyons (68) was sexually assaulted and murdered at the Sacred Heart Convent in Ballybay, Monaghan. In January 2006, Amy Farrell (21) was murdered at the door of her home in Glenlara, Cavan, by Brendan McGahern. In September 2013, Patricia Kierans (54) was shot dead by her estranged husband, Oliver, at their home in Bailieborough; he was convicted of manslaughter.

In June 2014, Antra Ozolina (49) was strangled at a house in Kilnaleck, Cavan; her death was initially staged as a suicide.

In August 2016, Clodagh Hawe was murdered alongside her three sons by husband, Alan, at their home in Barconey, near Ballyjamesduff, before he took his own life.

In January 2025, Annie Heyneman (55) was stabbed to death at her home near Ballyconnell, Cavan, by her son, who later pleaded guilty.

Kelly Lynch (23), meanwhile was found dead in the canal in Monaghan Town in March 2024; a privately commissioned forensic report concluded homicide, although Gardaí have not classified her death as murder.

Seven women, including Ellie Flanagan in March and Vanessa Whyte and her two children last year, have been murdered in Fermanagh since 2014.

On Monday, a body believed to be that of Carrie Mullane was recovered from Lough Erne though identification “may take a period of time”, according to police.

The 39-year-old mother-of-four from Limerick had been missing since she travelled to Enniskillen on October 10. A man has been charged with her murder