Potential site for domestic violence refuge identified in Roscommon
County Roscommon is one of only nine counties in Ireland without a facility.
A site for the long awaited domestic violence refuge has been identified in the county town. County Roscommon is one of only nine counties in Ireland without such a facility, and a refuge has repeatedly been called for by local politicians and groups.
In the Dáil last week, local TD Claire Kerrane sought an update on the provision of a refuge for County Roscommon. In response, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that a suitable site for the development has been identified in Roscommon town. He added that Roscommon County Council is working to secure the site for the development.
Initial site investigations are underway to complete essential site surveys, following a procurement process “An Expression of Interest process is ongoing, and proceeding well, to identify an approved housing body partner for Roscommon Safe Link,” he said.
He confirmed that Cuan, the agency dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, is also working closely with Roscommon Safe Link to increase the number of safe homes operating in County Roscommon.
“A suitable property has been secured and will become operational in the coming weeks. This will increase the number of safe homes in county Roscommon to three.” Deputy Kerrane said she would continue to campaign to resolve the long-standing issue.
“County Roscommon remains one of a number of counties in the state without a domestic violence refuge,” she told the Herald. “I am continuing to follow up on this with the Minister for Justice. A refuge is an essential part of the supports for survivors of domestic violence. Equally, no survivor should be forced to leave their home, the abuser should and this needs to be looked at too. The minister has acknowledged this. I will continue to follow this up until it is delivered.”
A spokesperson for Cuan said the agency is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders to explore additional opportunities for developing domestic violence refuge accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking.
