The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, have announced funding approval for the development of a new domestic violence refuge in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.
The project will be delivered by domestic abuse support providers, Aoibhneas, in partnership with Fingal County Council under the Capital Assistance Scheme. Construction is expected to be completed by Q1 2028.
The refuge will be centrally located in Balbriggan, well served by local amenities and public transport links. It has been identified as a priority location under Zero Tolerance, the Government’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence – which aims to significantly expand refuge capacity and safe accommodation nationwide.
The project involves the conversion and extension of an existing protected structure to deliver 13 self-contained residential units. Once complete the centre will include communal spaces, treatment areas, meeting rooms and therapeutic spaces for residents as well as outdoor play spaces and seating area. Staff offices and administrative areas will also form part of the development.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said:
“This approval marks an important step in delivering vital refuge accommodation in Balbriggan. The development of this new refuge in Balbriggan demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing domestic violence and ensuring those affected have access to safe high-quality accommodation and support services. Today’s announcement reflects this commitment and will provide much needed support within the local community and for survivors.
“The inclusion of therapeutic and support spaces will ensure that residents can access essential wraparound services they need to rest, recover and rebuild their lives. We are working to ensure that no person in need of refuge is left without supports. This investment will have a lasting impact on individuals, families and the wider community in North County Dublin.”
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, said:
“Today marks an important milestone, and is testament to the strong partnership and cooperation between Aoibhneas, Cuan, the Housing Agency, Fingal County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and my own department. I want to acknowledge the significant and sustained effort that has brought the project to this important point, and will guide it towards delivery.
“This facility for Balbriggan will be far more than bricks and mortar. It will be a place of safety for women and children in crisis. It will be a space for recovery, care and compassion.”
Elizabeth Peña, Head of Service Delivery and Development at Cuan, the national Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency, said:
“I’d like to commend the dedication of Aoibhneas, who have been providing vital services for vulnerable women across Dublin for many years. Their work, and the wider collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and Fingal County Council, have been essential to this project. I want to thank them all for their continued support. It is through this collaboration and dedication that we can make these vital supports a reality.”