Push for progress on new Domestic Violence refuge

The need for a dedicated women’s refuge was raised by the newly elected Cathaoirleach Carmel Brady (FG).

She asked that Cavan County Council “keep pressure” on the Minister for Justice to quickly deliver safe houses and a refuge for the county.

The Cootehill representative wished to highlight the “urgent gap in essential services” for women and children in County Cavan. She said people in Cavan are without a “purpose built” facility or any safe space or accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence.

While she acknowledged “significant progress” has been made, she said the “absence” of a dedicated refuge “stands in stark contrast” to the local community’s need.

“A woman in Cavan who needs emergency protection has to leave the county to find it. That is the simple truth,” she said, adding that this is “not easy” to do as many are “leaving behind” their community, which “adds pressure” at a time when women are experiencing “enormous fear and uncertainty”.

She said local organisations are doing “incredible work”, however they “cannot continue” to bear the “full weight” of the problem.

Her motion called for a “safe” and “secure” place for women and children to go to when they have “nowhere else to go”.

“It is about ensuring that Cavan is not left behind as national services expand,” she said, asking that the council write to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to request “specific information” on what steps he is taking to provide a DV shelter for Cavan and the state of progress to date.

She also asked the council executive if anything can be done to assist the Minister to “expediate” the refuge and safe accommodation.

Cllr Niamh Brady (FG) said the refuge should be “long provided” and gave her support to the motion.

Fianna Fáil’s Patricia Walsh said it was “about time” services including safe accommodation was provided.

Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly fully supported the motion and called for a refuge for women and men. He said this motion was brought four times previously and added how there were “very strong calls” for the refuge after the “terrible tragedy” in his own municipal district of Ballyjamesduff.

“Talk is cheap and action speaks louder than words,” he stated.

Cllrs Clifford Kelly (FF) and Brendan Fay (Ind) supported the motion, while Cllr T.P. O’Reilly (FG) said the council “need the Department to put the money where their mouth is”. The motion also received support from Cllrs Trevor Smith (FG), Philip Brady (FF), Winston Bennett (FG) and Aine Smith (FF).

Director of Services Lynda McGavigan said the council are still waiting on confirmation of funding, however the local authority has already identified three properties for safe homes in Cavan.

Ms McGavigan also confirmed that the council is looking at “potential sites” for a future DV refuge in Cavan, however this project is still “pending funding”.

Cllr Brady described the news as “excellent.”

Both Cavan and Monaghan county councils are allocating three units from their social housing stock to deliver an additional six Safe Homes across the region. They are expected to become operational in 2026.

The government has also committed to establishing a dedicated DV refuge in each county.

* This article was published with support from the Local Democracy Scheme