The Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan has today confirmed that a funding application for the development of a domestic violence refuge in the Cavan and Monaghan region has successfully passed the first stage.
The Cavan-Monaghan region is a priority area for refuge development under the Government's Zero Tolerance strategy.
The Third National Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence aims to double the number of refuge units and safe accommodation across the country.
The new refuge facility will include 12 independent units of refuge accommodation, along with essential ancillary services.
Funding application by Safe Ireland for facility in County Monaghan, aimed at providing support services to the Cavan and Monaghan region, successfully passes first stage.
Safe Ireland will continue to work with Cuan and all relevant stakeholders including Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency, Monaghan County Council, and Cavan County Council on next steps.
Minister Niamh Smyth has welcomed the news.
Speaking to Northern Sound, she said: "It is great to see that this has been ratified by the department. I know from the meetings I've had with Minister O'Callaghan, he's been very supportive of this.
"We've been two of the counties without any physical safe homes or refuge facilities. While Tearmann have done incredible work over a number of years to support women, to provide the wrap around services, the signposts, now we can look forward to having a physical safe homes, and safe units, as part of a larger refuge for women across Cavan and Monaghan," she added.
The refuge’s Capital Assistance Scheme Stage 1 application was approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and it is now working towards submitting its Stage 2 application, which will include further detail and costings on the full extent of works that will be required.
