The latest update on the provision of refuge places for victims and families of domestic violence in Cavan and Monaghan indicates the Department of Justice is considering dedicated properties in both Cavan and Monaghan. The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, also told Cavan-Monaghan Senator Robbie Gallagher providing refuge places in this area is "being prioritised". Earlier expectations indicated one site would serve both counties.
Cavan and Monaghan remain two of the last counties in the state to not have refuge spaces for women, men and children fleeing domestic abuse situations. When Helen McEntee launched her 2022 'Zero Tolerance' strategy she gave a commitment to provide eight new places in Monaghan and Cavan.
Senator Gallagher raised the issue during a tabled a question to the Justice Minister in the Seanad recently. Afterwards, he told Northern Sound Monaghan and Cavan county councils are, right now, looking at potential sites: "I'm glad to report that the Minister did say to me that it was being prioritised," Senator Gallagher said, "and that both local authorities, Monaghan County Council and Cavan County Council were exploring different potential site options in both counties currently. Whether that's a desired; to have two, one in each rather than one big one we don't know yet until all the organisations get together and come up with a report to decide to go one big one or two smaller ones".
