Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
712. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the provision of a refuge for County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45791/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government and I continue to prioritise action to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Under Budget 2026, funding of almost €80 million has been provided to support Cuan, frontline organisations working in the DSGBV sector and implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. This additional investment will support the acceleration of safe accommodation delivery and strengthen supports available to victims and survivors.
Since being established in January 2024, Cuan has advanced significant work in expanding safe accommodation capacity for victims of domestic violence and their families. Cuan is working closely with a range of stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and local authorities, in order to support local action and the delivery of safe accommodation and related services.
A suitable site has been identified in Roscommon town, and Roscommon County Council is working to secure the site for refuge development. Initial site investigations are underway to complete essential site surveys, following a procurement process.
An Expression of Interest process is ongoing, and proceeding well, to identify an Approved Housing Body (AHB) partner for Roscommon Safe Link, the local domestic violence service provider, as they do not have AHB status.
Cuan is also working closely with Roscommon Safe Link to increase the number of safe homes operating in county Roscommon. A suitable property has been secured and will become operational in the coming weeks. This will increase the number of safe homes in county Roscommon to three.
