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Funding approved by Minister James Browne to support Offaly domestic abuse refuge

“I am delighted to announce my department has approved the CAS Stage 1 capital funding proposal for Oaklee Housing Association in collaboration with Offaly County Council to develop a ten unit domestic abuse refuge facility in Offaly.

“This approval is testament to cross departmental collaboration and engagement by my department, the Department of Justice, Cuan, The Housing Agency, and local authorities to provide a clear path to refuge development at scale.

“Domestic violence cannot be tolerated, and we must do what we can to support all those who are directly impacted and in particular the survivors and any children involved.

“Every single one of us has a duty to be part of a serious and urgent cultural shift here. That culture change needs to happen everywhere - from every sports pitch, to work spaces with colleagues, out socialising with friends and neighbours. It’s from conversations to our own actions. Domestic violence itself may often be hidden and run under the radar for years, but the climate in which it happens, or seems acceptable to the perpetrator, is one we are all part of and can be actively involved in calling out. It is under no circumstances acceptable. It is not who we are.

“I genuinely commend the work of Cuan, and the work of all the support services locally to Offaly and the midlands region who already are supporting people through horrendous situations at home. The progress of this refuge facility for the county is essential in my view and I am working closely with Minister O’Callaghan to progress what’s needed.”

“Increasing refuge capacity and safe accommodation in Offaly has been a key focus of the government’s Zero Tolerance strategy. This facility is another important step in our aim of ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one.

“This welcome news on funding is testament to the strong partnership and cooperation between Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services, Oaklee Housing, Cuan, the Housing Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and my own Department.

“I am very grateful to all involved for their hard work in designing and planning this facility to date, and I am confident that they will continue to guide the project towards successful delivery.

“I believe the success of a country, and indeed a government, can be measured in how we support and look after the most vulnerable in our society, and I have no doubt that this facility will be life changing for those who avail of it.”

“I’d like to recognise the dedication of Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service organisation and Oaklee Housing. Their work, and the wider collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency and Offaly County Council, have been essential to this project. I want to thank them all for their continued support. It is through this collaboration and dedication that we can make these vital supports for people in Offaly a reality.”

“Oaklee welcomes the CAS Stage 1 approval as an important milestone in delivering a refuge in Offaly for people affected by domestic violence. This progress builds on our partnership with Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where people can rebuild their lives with dignity and security. It also demonstrates our ambition to drive meaningful change and our agility in delivering high-quality housing solutions that enable vital services to operate. Working together, we remain focused on collaboration and innovation to make this vision a reality."

“Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service has been supporting victim/survivors of domestic violence across our communities since 1997. The development of a new refuge will be a vital step in ensuring that those experiencing domestic violence have access to immediate safety, stability, and specialist support. This refuge will significantly strengthen our ability to respond to need across County Offaly, offering protection and a pathway to recovery for victims and their children at a critical time.”