Cathy Bennett
Ceist:27. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe in which refuges will open in both Cavan and Monaghan. [35788/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 May 2026
Ceisteanna (27, 64)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:64. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of domestic violence refuge spaces within the State; the number of safe home units; and the number of each he intends to be operational by year's end. [35787/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 64 together.
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to confront the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). This includes increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.
Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.
At the onset of the zero-tolerance strategy, there were 49 safe homes and 141 DV refuge units in place. By the end of 2026, the target is to increase this to 94 safe homes,193 refuge units, with an additional 50 units under construction. All refuges scheduled to open in 2026 are on track, including 12 units in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown expected to be operational in Q3 2026, and Cuan anticipates meeting its refuge targets.
Cuan remains committed to collaborating with key stakeholder to explore additional opportunities for developing DV accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking, while also considering interim refuges and alternative accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.
The Cavan-Monaghan region is listed as a priority area for refuge development under Zero Tolerance. The Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) Stage 1 application for a refuge site in Monaghan was approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage last October. Work is ongoing towards submitting a Stage 2 application, which will include further detail and costings on the full extent of works that will be required. The CAS process takes on average 75 weeks with construction typically taking 15 – 18 months. Safe Ireland is the lead Approved Housing Body on this development.
This new refuge facility will include 12 independent units of refuge accommodation, along with essential ancillary services, thereby strengthening domestic violence support in the region. I am advised that Cuan is currently considering future options for potential refuge provision in Cavan, in parallel with progression of the refuge site identified in Monaghan.
Nationally, Cuan funds 78 DSGBV organisations, including 20 domestic violence refuges, and Cuan has advised that the following breaks down safe accommodation units, by county, as of May 2026.
|
DV Accommodation by County |
DV Refuge Units |
Safe Home Units |
Total DV Accommodation |
|
Dublin - City |
17 |
16 |
33 |
|
Dublin - Dun Laoghaire |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Dublin – Fingal |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Dublin - South Dublin |
11 |
3 |
14 |
|
Carlow |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
6 |
2 |
8 |
|
Cork |
11 |
3 |
14 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
10 |
14 |
|
Galway |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
3 |
10 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
16 |
0 |
16 |
|
Longford |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Louth |
17 |
0 |
17 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Meath |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Waterford |
12 |
4 |
16 |
|
Westmeath |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Wexford |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
Total |
172 |
60 |
232 |