Minister Niamh Smyth has today announced on the Wider View programme that Cavan will be added to the Government’s national priority list for new domestic violence refuge development, securing vital, long-overdue protection for victims of domestic violence in the county.
This announcement follows sustained engagement by Minister Smyth with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, who visited Cavan/Monaghan at the end of 2025 to meet with Cavan County Council and discuss plans for women’s refuges and safe houses across both counties. As a direct result of those engagements, Minister Smyth has successfully requested, and received agreement, that Cavan will be the added to the priority list for refuge development.
Speaking on today’s announcement Minister Smyth said: “This announcement is the result of years of hard work. I commend the survivors, frontline workers, councillors, and community leaders who have all made clear just how urgent this need is. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and neither should access to safety. Every county deserves a refuge, and every victim deserves to know that help is close to home. I am proud to have played a part in making this happen for Cavan, and I want to assure people that I will continue to push to ensure this refuge is delivered as quickly as possible."
The Government’s Programme for Government and the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence committed to doubling the number of domestic violence refuge units from 141 to 282 nationally. To deliver on this commitment, 18 priority locations were agreed for new refuge development through to the end of 2026.
While CAS1 approval has already been granted for a new refuge in Monaghan.
Following extensive engagement with service providers, local stakeholders, and Cavan County Council, it became clear that the need in Cavan was urgent and could not wait for a future phase of development. Minister Smyth formally requested that Cavan be added to the priority list immediately, to allow site selection and the planning process to commence without further delay.
With Cavan now on the national priority list, the focus turns to identifying a suitable site and commencing the planning process. Minister Smyth will continue to work closely with Cavan County Council, relevant service providers, and the Department of Justice to ensure the refuge is delivered as swiftly as possible.
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has also welcomed the decision to identify County Cavan as a priority location for the provision of a Domestic Violence Refuge.
In response to Deputy Brendan Smith’s Parliamentary Questions the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, stated –
“The Capital Assistance Scheme 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.
Both Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council have committed to the allocation of three units from their social housing stock, which will deliver an additional six Safe Homes across the region. Cuan is now working with Safe Ireland to finalise operational and staffing costs. All six units will become operational in 2026. Safe Ireland is working with the stakeholder group to create a solid infrastructure and a coherent connected response across both counties.
