The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan TD, have approved funding for a new domestic violence refuge in Carlow Town.

The decision allows Carlow County Council and Amber Womens Refuge CLG to advance the project through the next phases of design, planning and procurement under the Capital Assistance Scheme.

Planned for a central site within walking distance of the town centre, the facility will provide purpose-built accommodation and specialist supports for people fleeing domestic abuse.

On completion, the refuge will comprise 10 state-of-the-art family units along with essential support and ancillary spaces, including counselling rooms; shared communal kitchen, living and laundry areas; children's sensory rooms and play spaces; and staff offices and administrative areas.

Carlow has been designated a priority location for refuge provision under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Welcoming the approval, Minister Browne said: "The development of this new refuge in Carlow will significantly strengthen the supports available to women and children experiencing domestic abuse in the county and surrounding areas. This approval represents an important step towards delivering a modern, purpose-built refuge for those experiencing domestic violence, ensuring they have access to safe, secure and appropriate accommodation.

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"This significant milestone in the development of a new Domestic Violence Refuge for Carlow will provide safety, dignity and vital support services for families at an extremely difficult time in their lives. My Department will continue to work closely with Carlow County Council, Amber Women's Refuge and our colleagues in the Department of Justice to progress this important development."

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan said: "This funding approval is an important step towards delivering a new domestic violence refuge in Carlow town. For women and children experiencing domestic violence, access to safe accommodation and specialist supports can be a vital first step towards a life free from abuse.

"Carlow town and the surrounding area has been identified as priority area for refuge development, and this new service will help ensure that victims and survivors can access the protection and support they need closer to their own community.

"I want to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all those involved, including Carlow County Council and Amber's Women's Refuge in progressing this important project. Expanding refuge capacity remains a key priority for this Government as we continue to deliver on our Zero Tolerance Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence."

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 commitment of Amber Women's Refuge, which has been providing a safe environment and supports to vulnerable women in their community 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 Carlow 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."

Subject to the completion of planning, design and procurement, construction is expected to be finished in the second quarter of 2028.