Construction has officially commenced on a new €6.5 million domestic violence refuge in County Louth following a sod-turning ceremony led by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan.

The development is a priority project under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) and is being delivered by Women's Aid Dundalk.

The project moved into the construction phase following Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) Stage 4 approval on 9 January, with the contractor formally accepting the works on 19 January. Once finished, the facility will provide 12 residential units alongside a family access unit, therapeutic spaces, and a dedicated support unit for children and youth. The site will also feature outdoor play areas, green space, and overnight accommodation for staff.

This infrastructure will allow Women's Aid Dundalk to provide a full suite of wraparound services, including counselling and rehabilitation 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.

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"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 James Browne added: "Last month I was delighted to announce that final approval had 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."

The development is supported by a significant increase in national funding, with nearly €80 million allocated under Budget 2026 to Cuan, the National DSGBV Agency. Cuan has worked closely with Louth County Council and the Housing Agency to facilitate the site selection and development process.

Ann Larkin, CEO of Women's Aid Dundalk, said: "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 project is expected to offer a critical resource for the region, providing safe and stable accommodation for survivors to rebuild their lives.