Monaghan, 14 October 2025 — Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, has welcomed the approval of Stage 1 funding for a new domestic violence refuge facility in County Monaghan, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s Zero Tolerance strategy to combat domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.
The proposed refuge will include 12 independent accommodation units and essential support services, serving both Cavan and Monaghan counties. The funding application, submitted by Safe Ireland, successfully passed the first stage of the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
“This progress reflects the strong collaboration between Safe Ireland, Cuan, the Housing Agency, and local authorities,” said Minister O’Callaghan. “Increasing refuge capacity in the region has been a key priority, and this development is a vital step toward delivering safety and support for survivors.”
Strategic Collaboration and Local Impact
The initiative is part of the Third National Strategy on domestic violence, which aims to double refuge capacity nationwide. Safe Ireland, having merged with Tearmann Housing Association in 2023, will lead the project’s development in partnership with Cuan, the national agency for domestic violence, and Monaghan and Cavan County Councils.
Minister for Housing, James Browne, noted that this marks the ninth refuge project to commence under the Zero Tolerance strategy. “Trauma-informed design and private, own-door accommodation will be life-changing for vulnerable families,” he said.
Next Steps
With Stage 1 approval secured, Safe Ireland will now prepare its Stage 2 application, detailing the full scope and cost of the works. The facility is expected to provide short-term protection and long-term recovery pathways for survivors, aligning with national service delivery principles.
Local leaders, including Eoin Doyle of Cavan County Council and Robert Burns of Monaghan County Council, praised the initiative as a critical response to the urgent needs of families affected by abuse.
Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration: “We are making positive steps toward delivering this refuge, and we remain committed to supporting survivors across the region.”
Once completed, the Monaghan-based refuge will significantly strengthen Ireland’s infrastructure for domestic violence support, offering safety, dignity, and hope to those most in need.
