Funding approved for domestic violence refuge in Carlow town

FUNDING has been approved for the development of a new domestic violence refuge in Carlow town, paving the way for a long-awaited facility designed to provide safe accommodation and support services for women and children fleeing abuse.

The announcement was made on Wednesday last by minister for housing, local government and heritage James Browne and minister for justice, home affairs and migration Jim O'Callaghan.

The approval will allow Carlow Co Council and Amber Women's Refuge to move the project to the next stages of design, planning and procurement under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS).

The purpose-built refuge, to be located on the Dublin Road in Carlow, will consist of ten residential family units, along with a range of support facilities including counselling rooms, a communal kitchen, living and laundry areas, children's sensory rooms and play spaces. Office and administrative facilities for staff will also form part of the development.

Subject to planning permission, design completion and procurement processes, construction of the new refuge is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2028. The facility will be within walking distance of Carlow town and is intended to address a long-standing gap in refuge accommodation in the county.

Carlow has been identified as a priority location for refuge accommodation under the government's Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Minister of state Jennifer Murnane O'Connor welcomed the funding approval, describing it as a significant milestone in a campaign she has supported for years.

"A women's refuge for Carlow is something I have long campaigned for, so I very much welcome the announcement that the project has moved onto the next stage," she said.

"The planning is almost ready to be submitted to Carlow Co Council and my commitment is to get this women's refuge up and running as soon as possible for the women and children of Co Carlow."

Minister Murnane O’Connor said access to a safe refuge is essential for those escaping abuse and pledged to continue working with government departments, Carlow Co Council and Amber Women's Refuge to deliver the project.

Minister O'Callaghan described the funding approval as an important step towards expanding refuge capacity and improving access to specialist services for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

"For women and children experiencing domestic violence, access to safe accommodation and specialist supports can be a vital first step towards a life free from abuse," he said.

Elizabeth Peña, head of service delivery and development at Cuan, the national domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency, praised the contribution of Amber Women's Refuge and the collaboration between local and national agencies involved in progressing the project.

She said the organisation had provided a safe environment and support services to vulnerable women in the community for many years, adding that co-operation between government departments, the housing agency and Carlow Co Council had been crucial in bringing the project forward.