The site selection process for a new domestic violence refuge in Cavan and Monaghan has begun.
Under the guidance of Cuan, and in collaboration with Cavan and Monaghan County Councils, a site for both the new centre and safe homes will now be identified. There is currently no domestic violence refuge centre in Cavan or Monaghan, with those affected forced to travel to neighbouring counties. Cavan-Monaghan TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the news, calling it a vital step forward
"It's extremely important that people who are victims of such abuse, that they have services as readily accessible and as near them as possible. I'm particularly welcoming the fact that Minister Darragh O'Brien has stated very clearly that he is providing the funding to build this centre. Cavan County Council, Monaghan County Council, Cuan, and Safe Ireland have all been involved in advancing this project".
Meanwhile Monaghan Senator, Robbie Gallagher, says its a shame it's taken this long to get to this point but a new refuge centre is badly needed for the region
"We need to get to a point as quickly as we possibly can that we have a domestic refuge centre that can cater for people from Cavan and Monaghan so that people who are in a very traumatic and fearful situation shouldn't have to leave their communities".
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD have today (Friday) welcomed the commencement of a site selection process for the building of a domestic violence refuge in the Cavan/Monaghan region, one of the regions identified as a ‘Phase 1’ priority for refuge development under the Zero Tolerance strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. In addition to identifying suitable locations for refuge development, the process will focus on identifying potential locations for safe home development.
Speaking today, Minister McEntee said: “Cavan and Monaghan was identified as a priority location and Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Agency, which I established earlier this year, was tasked with taking forward work to develop a new refuge facility in that region. “I welcome that the site selection process has now commenced. This is a key step in the delivery of a new domestic violence refuge in the Cavan / Monaghan region. My Plan is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge will have access to one.
Speaking today, Minister O’Brian said: “The establishment of a multi-agency working group in Cavan Monaghan is a welcome step towards providing a much-needed Domestic Violence Refuge with ancillary facilities in the region. At present victims and their families in Cavan and Monaghan have to travel unacceptable distances from family, friends, and community supports in order to access refuge spaces. That’s not a situation I or this Government want to see continued.
“My department will provide the capital funding for construction once a site has been identified and the refuge has been designed. There are a number of steps that need to happen prior to this point, and this working group will assist with these necessary processes, expedite them where possible and ensure project momentum is maintained. I want to be very clear in saying both I and my Department are absolutely committed to providing this refuge.
“I’d like to recognise the strong support of both Cavan and Monaghan County Councils, as well as our colleagues in Cuan, The Domestic, Sexual, and Gender Based Violence Agency, and The Housing Agency. We have observed a noticeable improvement in lead in time for domestic violence refuge projects where this multiagency collaboration is occurring and hope to see the Cavan Monaghan refuge in development very soon,” he concluded.”
