Funding approved for development of domestic violence refuge in Athlone
The funding represents a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for safe, secure accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Pic: iStock
A funding application for the development of a domestic violence refuge in Westmeath has successfully passed the first stage.
Athlone Community Services Council, Esker House, has received CAS1 approval for 12 units, with ancillary services, to be built in Athlone, serving the Westmeath and greater midland area.
With the stage 1 Application now approved, Esker House is working towards submitting its Stage 2 application, which will include further detail and costings on the full extent of works that will be needed.
Making the announcement today, Tuesday, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said: “I am delighted to announce my department has approved the CAS Stage 1 capital funding proposal for Athlone Community Services Council, in collaboration with Esker House Domestic Abuse Service, to develop a 12 unit domestic violence refuge facility in Westmeath. This refuge is the tenth domestic violence refuge approved for funding by my Department under Zero Tolerance and will be developed with the same trauma informed design and inclusion of therapeutic spaces and own door residential units which now form the standard for DV refuge provision in Ireland.
“This approval is further indication that the cross governmental processes engaged in by my department, the Department of Justice, Cuan, The Housing Agency, and local authorities are providing a clear path to refuge development at scale.”
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD also said: “Increasing refuge capacity in Westmeath has been a key focus of the government’s Zero Tolerance strategy. The accommodation units and support facilities planned for Westmeath will be life changing for some of our most vulnerable women and children.”
Welcoming the news a spokesperson for Esker House stated, “As the only domestic abuse support service provision refuge in the midland region, we at Athlone Community Service Council are heartened to see a vital investment in Esker House refuge and service infrastructure. The approval of the first stage of Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) funding represents a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for safe, secure accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence.”
Deirdre Berry, Head of Services at Esker House commented, “This development is not just about bricks and mortar—it is about restoring dignity, safety, and hope to those subject to all forms of domestic abuse. We look forward to our continued collaborative work with our partners in the CUAN, Westmeath County Council, the Department of Housing and the Housing Authority to ensure that the new building meets the complex needs of survivors and is delivered without delay. We have an extremely committed and supportive Board of management who are deeply involved in the progression of this work. We commend the Government’s commitment to expanding refuge provision and urge continued prioritisation of this issue to ensure that no one is left without a safe place to turn.”
Frankie Keena, local Counsellor and Board Member of Athlone Community Service Council added, “As a board member of ACSC and a member of the Esker House Refuge development committee, I warmly welcome the CAS 1 stage approval for this purpose-built Domestic abuse refuge facility.
“Over the last couple of years, we have been kept busy trying to find a suitable site and now I am glad to say that this work has identified a suitable site. The site itself is very central to the town and all services, which are so important to the service users and staff.
“I would like to commend Esker House Head of Service Deirdre Berry and her excellent team for their great work in supporting women subjected to domestic abuse. Special thanks to Westmeath County Council, Athlone Community Services Council. CUAN, Department of Housing and Carrie Cowan for all their work in driving this much needed project. I look forward to continuing working on this committee to deliver on this project".
Esker House provides a 24-hour free phone helpline1800662288, refuge accommodation, support and advocacy, court support services and a specialist child and youth support service. It also provides tailored training to the community. For all enquiries/ information call 0906474122 email info@eskerhouse.ie , www.eskerhouse.ie
