“Supporting those affected by domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is at the heart of the government’s Zero Tolerance strategy, and increasing refuge capacity in the Cavan-Monaghan region has been a key focus of this work.

“The progress achieved in securing first stage approval is an important milestone. It reflects the strong partnership between Safe Ireland, Cuan, the Housing Agency, Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council and my own Department.

“I want to acknowledge the sustained effort of all involved in reaching this stage and I look forward to continued progress as the project moves toward delivery.”

“I am delighted to announce my Department has approved the CAS Stage 1 capital funding proposal for Safe Ireland to develop a purpose built domestic violence refuge facility to serve Cavan Monaghan. This approval marks the ninth domestic violence refuge to commence development nationwide under Zero Tolerance and is a clear indication that the cross governmental processes engaged in by my Department, the Department of Justice, Cuan, The Housing Agency, and local authorities are providing a clear path to refuge development at scale.

“Safe Ireland Cavan Monaghan have been operating support and refuge services for many years, and their experience and dedication gives me great faith that, once operational, this refuge will provide the highest standard of care to vulnerable families who have been left with no option but to leave their family home due to abuse.

“The importance of trauma informed design, therapeutic spaces, and private own door accommodation when supporting individuals during the most distressing period of their lives cannot be understated and the planned accommodation units and support facilities will be life changing for some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

“I’d like to recognise the work of Safe Ireland, and the support of the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency and both Cavan and Monaghan County Councils. In this spirit of collaboration with the team here in Cuan, we continue to make positive steps towards the development of this refuge.”

“Safe Ireland, having merged with the long standing local domestic violence service, Tearmann Housing Association in 2023, look forward to developing a state of the art refuge facility in Co Monaghan which will enable the protection of survivors in the short term but also work to create long term integrated, full recovery pathways out of abuse for survivors.

We note and welcome the robust collaborative process with Cuan, Monaghan and Cavan County Councils, and all stakeholders on the steering committee and the commitment to ensuring the design and service delivery principles set out in the national blueprint for refuge development and the Zero Tolerance Strategy.”

“I welcome the approval of the CAS Stage 1 application for a 12-unit Domestic Violence Refuge serving the Cavan/Monaghan region. This vital service marks a significant step forward in addressing the urgent needs of women and families affected by domestic violence.

Cavan County Council is committed to supporting the development of safe and secure accommodation for those affected by domestic violence, and we look forward to working in partnership with Cuan to identify and deliver appropriate housing solutions in Cavan.”

“I welcome the CAS Stage 1 project approval for the provision of a Domestic Violence Refuge in Monaghan town. This vital development is fundamental to addressing the needs of individuals and families experiencing domestic violence and abuse across Monaghan and Cavan.”