Funding for new Domestic Violence Refuge in Dundalk

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, have today announced funding approval for the construction of a new domestic violence refuge in Dundalk.

The €6.5 million project is being brought forward by Women’s Aid Dundalk, and the approval announced today will allow them to proceed to formally award the construction contract to the successful contractor, with works commencing onsite shortly after.

The refuge, to be located in Highfield, has been identified as a priority location under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Strategy – which aims to double the number of refuge units and safe accommodation across the country.

Once operational the refuge will offer 12 residential units, therapeutic spaces, a family access unit, a youth and child support unit, overnight accommodation for staff, as well as outdoor play spaces and resident open space area – which will allow Women’s Aid Dundalk to provide a suite of wraparound services such as counselling and support.