Local TD’s have welcomed the news that planning permission has been granted for a new domestic violence refuge in Dundalk.
Dundalk is one of 18 priority locations identified for domestic violence refuge development as part of the Government’s work under Zero the Tolerance Strategy.
In a project supported by the Department of Justice, Cuan, the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence Agency, the Department of Housing and the Housing Agency, Dundalk Women’s Aid aims to increase its refuge provision through the construction of a new 12-unit refuge facility in the town. The project will see the current six units replaced and a further six units added, ensuring a doubling of capacity.
The new facility provides for 12 short-stay emergency accommodation units, a family access unit and youth and child support unit.
Deputy Butterly welcomed the news stating:
‘This is great news for the county, another step forward in addressing the impact of domestic violence and abuse. I would like to acknowledge my colleagues minister Jim O’Callaghan and Minister Helen McEntee who did trojan work in implementing the zero tolerance strategy plan and advocating for domestic violence awareness in her time as Minister.’
‘More people are seeking help from sexual, domestic and gender based violence services, this is a step forward to ensure that the demands are met across the county including for young people and people in rural areas.’
Erin McGreehan TD who is a board member of the Dundalk Women’s Aid board also welcomed the news.
Speaking on the news: “I am delighted to hear of the progress being made after the granting of planning permission for a new refuge in Dundalk. This project has been worked on for years now, and it is great that over that time government policy has moved to support plans like this – it is crucially important,” she highlighted.
“The topic of domestic abuse is something I am so passionate about. I am a member of the Dundalk’s Women’s Aid board, and I am very proud to be part of this hugely important organisation for the thousands they have supported over the years.
Dundalk Women’s Aid aims for a doubling of capacity and fit for purpose safe homes for women and children to start again.
Concluding Deputy McGreehan congratulated all who have worked tirelessly on this for years, and said she will continue to engage constructively to deliver this facility for the women and families who need it.
“There have been so many who have been working on this for years and I want to congratulate Ann Larkin who is CEO of Dundalk Womens Aid and all the team who were relentless in their ambition to make this a reality.
“I will continue to work with Department of Housing to ensure that the funding for construction of these vital services is progressed without haste,” she concluded.
