Minister Jim O’Callaghan breaks ground on new refuge development for Louth
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
- When complete, this refuge will consist of 12 units as well as ancillary supports
- The budget approval for this capital development is €6.5million.
- The refuge will be operated by Women’s Aid Dundalk
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, has today turned the sod for construction to commence on a €6.5million, domestic violence refuge facility in County Louth.
The development, which was identified as a priority under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV), is being led by Women’s Aid Dundalk.
The project received Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS ) Stage 4 approval on 9 January and on 19 January it was confirmed that the selected contractor had accepted the offer to commence work on the facility.
When complete, the facility will provide 12 residential units along with therapeutic spaces, a family access unit, a dedicated youth and child support unit, overnight staff accommodation, outdoor play areas and open green space. The centre will enable Women’s Aid Dundalk to deliver a comprehensive range of wraparound services, including counselling and ongoing support for women and families.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan said:
“Today marks another step in the delivery of increased refuge accommodation in County Louth. This is a critical expansion of services for those affected by domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in the county.
“It reaffirms my commitment to provide safe accommodation across the country for victims and survivors who need support at their most vulnerable time.
“I want to acknowledge the expertise and dedication of multiple stakeholders including Women’s Aid Dundalk, Louth County Council, the Housing Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Cuan in helping to bring this project to this vital stage.”
Minister Browne said,
“Last month I was delighted to announce that final approval had issued for the Dundalk Women’s Refuge in Louth, which is being funded by my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme. I’m pleased to see this project is now entering the construction phase of development.
“This Government is committed to increasing refuge capacity across the country and making sure that we support all those who are impacted by domestic violence. This project, which will provide 12 emergency accommodation units and a suite of wrap around services to women and children fleeing violence in Dundalk, reflects this commitment, and will provide much needed care and rehabilitation for survivors of domestic abuse.”
Women’s Aid Dundalk, a support service for victims and survivors of domestic violence, has undertaken this refuge development project, and will operate the refuge once complete.
Ann Larkin, CEO of Women’s Aid Dundalk, said,
“The issue of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) is not new and knows no borders. It presents in all walks of life and across the full lifecycle, from birth to death. It doesn’t discriminate, it presents in all socio-economic groups, in all professions and none, and in all religions and races. It has thrived on secrecy and shame but, thankfully, is being talked about more openly these days.
The hope of Women’s Aid Dundalk is that this development will not only provide the wrap-around support that will help women and children on their journey out of abuse but also be a major resource, and source of information and support to the whole community in working towards eliminating DSGBV in our society.”
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). This includes increased funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan, the National Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy.
Cuan, has been working with Women’s Aid Dundalk and various stakeholders, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency, and Louth County Council, to facilitate the site selection process.
Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, said,
“I’d like to recognise the work of Women’s Aid Dundalk, and the support of the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and Louth County Council.
“Women’s Aid Dundalk have been providing vital support to victims and survivors for many years, and this new refuge development will be key in ensuring that they have the space to continue to provide support to those who need it.”
Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said,
“Today marks the beginning of a construction project that will offer hope, safety and stability to women and children who need it most. Beyond a safe roof, it will also provide compassionate staff, practical assistance, and the chance for women and children to rebuild their lives with dignity.
“Collaboration has been at the heart of this development, with Women’s Aid, Cuan, the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency, and the Council all working together to turn vision into reality.
“I want to pay special tribute to Ann Larkin and the entire team at Women’s Aid Dundalk. Ann’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to women and children in crisis have been extraordinary.
“I also want to acknowledge the support of Government, with funding approved by Minister James Browne and Minister Jim O’Callaghan, and delivered through the Capital Assistance Scheme. Their backing ensures that communities like ours have the resources required to respond effectively and compassionately when people are at their most vulnerable.”
ENDS...///
Notes for the Editor
- The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.
- Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.
- In 2025 the number of domestic violence refuge units increased by 13 – four in Louth and nine in Dublin City - bringing the total number to 172.
- A further 9 units are being developed in Dublin South and are expected to be operational early this year. A 12-unit refuge located in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Council area is scheduled to be completed and become operational later this year. This will bring the total number of refuge units to 193 by the end of the year.
- In 2026, Cuan is also working towards having a minimum of 50 new refuge units under construction nationally, across multiple sites. Last year, the number of Safe Home units increased by 8. This has increased total Safe Home capacity to 60. Cuan has a target to increase the number of refuge units in 2026 to 193 and to increase safe homes to 94, bringing total safe accommodation to 287.
About Women’s Aid Dundalk
Women’s Aid Dundalk (WAD) is a Domestic Violence Service based in Dundalk, County Louth. WAD is working towards the elimination of domestic abuse, offering a range of essential services to women and their children. Their services include emergency refuge accommodation and support, a 24-hour helpline, court accompaniment, therapeutic support for children, public advocacy and awareness raising, training and education.
The range of services provided by Women’s Aid Dundalk include:
- One to One support
- Advocacy and Accompaniment
- Court Support
- Crisis Accommodation
- Supported Housing
- Playroom Project
- Support Groups
