Minister Jim O’Callaghan opens new domestic violence refuge accommodation in Dublin city
- Published on: 9 October 2025
- Last updated on: 9 October 2025
• Minister Jim O’Callaghan opens new nine-unit refuge to provide accommodation for approximately 36 families per year
• Refuge will be operated by the Sonas Domestic Violence Charity
9 October 2025
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, opened a new domestic violence refuge in Dublin 4.
Cuan, the national Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency, has funded the refurbishment of the building and will support the operational costs of the new refuge. It consists of nine units and will provide additional safe accommodation to approximately 36 families per year.
Sonas Domestic Violence Charity, a support service for victims and survivors of domestic violence, has undertaken the refurbishment and will operate the refuge.
Minister O’Callaghan said,
I am proud to officially open this new refuge facility which will provide a vital sanctuary for vulnerable women and children, offering safety and care in times of great need.
This building is not simply a place to provide refuge but offers families access to a range of supports to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
The development of this refuge comes as part of a wider programme of investment by the government into refuge spaces and safe accommodation in line with the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. I am pleased to say that there are a significant number of similar projects under development across the country which demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding capacity.
The nine units within the refuge can accommodate up to 62 people at any one time. The facilities also include a children’s playground and communal garden, a staff office, communal area for service users and meeting rooms.
There will be a staff team of 14 people employed by Sonas at the refuge, including six support workers, two children support workers, four night-support workers, a service manager and a team leader.
Siobhán Ferguson, interim CEO of Sonas, said,
This new refuge represents safety, stability and hope for women and children at risk of serious harm from domestic violence. At a time of unprecedented demand, Sonas is proud to partner with Cuan and the Department of Justice to expand refuge provision.
Our dedicated team will ensure that families have a safe place to turn to in their time of crisis, along with the supports they need to navigate a difficult and uncertain time.
In addition to direct emergency accommodation provision, Sonas provides a range of services and support interventions. These services will also expand through the provision of supports from the new refuge. The range of supports and interventions include, outreach, safety planning, court accompaniment, counselling, information and advice, advocacy and referral onwards.
Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, said,
It is a very proud milestone for Cuan, and a fantastic sign that the expansion of domestic violence refuge facilities in the State is proceeding apace.
It is a testament to the hard work of Sonas that, by undertaking this refurbishment, they could create this built-for-purpose refuge that will support families who need it.
This refuge is not simply a roof over people’s heads. The inclusion of communal spaces and a children’s playground within the refuge means that families can feel a sense of community as well as safety.
Notes to editor
About Sonas Domestic Violence Charity
Sonas is the largest provider of frontline services to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. They support women, children, and men experiencing domestic abuse by providing effective, quality services. They advocate on women and children’s behalf with other services and on issues that impact on the safety, welfare and wellbeing of women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
Supports in the community through outreach, court and other accompaniment to in excess of 600 adults per annum and over 400 children and adolescents.
Specialised programmes ran by Sonas include:
Power to Change Programme
DSPCA
Legal Advocacy
SafetyNet
Training programmes ran by Sonas include:
Domestic Abuse Awareness Training CPD Training
Domestic Abuse Awareness Training for the public
DSGBV Training for Private Emergency Accommodation (HSE Social Inclusion)
DSGBV Training for Private Emergency Accommodation (HSE Social Inclusion) for professionals working within Homeless/addiction/family services within Northeast Inner City Dublin