Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has officially turned the sod on a new domestic violence refuge development in County Louth, marking the start of construction on the €6.5 million project.
The refuge, which is being delivered by Women’s Aid Dundalk, was identified as a priority under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The project received Capital Assistance Scheme Stage 4 approval on 9 January, with confirmation on 19 January that the selected contractor had accepted the offer to commence work.
When completed, the development will consist of 12 residential units along with a range of ancillary supports. These will include therapeutic spaces, a family access unit, a dedicated youth and child support unit, overnight staff accommodation, outdoor play areas and open green space. The facility will allow Women’s Aid Dundalk to provide a comprehensive suite 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 also welcomed the progress of the project, saying:
Last month I was delighted to announce that final approval had been 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, which supports victims and survivors of domestic violence, has led the development of the refuge and will operate the facility once construction is complete.
Chief Executive of Women’s Aid Dundalk, Ann Larkin, said:
The issue of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) is not new and knows no borders. It is present 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.
The Government has 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 through the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy.
Cuan has worked alongside Women’s Aid Dundalk and a number of 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, Chief Executive 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.”
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Seán Kelly 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 the 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.
