Three DV ‘safe homes’ identified for County Cavan

Three “safe homes” for victims of domestic violence have been identified for Cavan, with delivery expected sometime in 2026.

Work is also under way to formally identify a suitable site for a refuge in the Breffni county.

Meanwhile, the number of spaces planned for a new women’s refuge in Monaghan is set to increase from eight to 12, a development confirmed by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan when he visited Cavan last week.

Extra spaces

That refuge will cater for victims from both Cavan and Monaghan until a dedicated refuge is in place for the former.

On the visit Minister O’Callaghan travelled the county with Minister for State, Niamh Smyth, and met with elected representatives, as well as officials within the council’s Housing Department to discuss the development of DV services.

“I am very pleased to confirm that three safe houses have now been identified in County Cavan, with delivery expected in 2026,” said Minister Smyth, noting that work is also under way to “identify a suitable site” for a refuge in the county.

Progress

“These developments mark significant progress in strengthening our local response to domestic and gender-based violence, ensuring that those in crisis have access to the secure accommodation and wraparound services they need,” she continued.

Deputy Smyth also welcomed the increased allocation of places in the planned Monaghan refuge.

A spokesperson for the Cavan local authority noted the meeting with Minister O’Callaghan and, in its response, highlighted the Government’s commitment to a ‘Zero Tolerance’ strategy for domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, including a commitment to double the number of refuge spaces by the end of 2026.

State agency Cuan (Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency) has been charged with implementing the strategies objectives.

Collaboration

“Minister O’Callaghan confirmed a funding application for the development of a domestic violence refuge for the Cavan and Monaghan region. This 12-unit facility will be based in Monaghan Town and cater for the women of Cavan and Monaghan.”

The spokesperson added that it is “envisaged” that every county in Ireland will “eventually have a refuge” and that Cavan County Council is currently “looking at potential sites” throughout the county.

“In the interim, Cavan County Council confirmed the availability of ‘safe homes’ throughout the county and are collaborating with Cuan and domestic violence advocacy group Safe Ireland to progress this service and have it operational in early 2026.”