2221. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to open a physical domestic violence refuge house in County Longford; and if not, if this will be considered. [56325/26]

This Government has taken unprecedented actions to confront the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). This includes increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.

Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.

Cuan provides funding to Longford Women’s Link for the provision of safe home and related support service provision. Longford has been identified as a priority area for Refuge Development. Cuan is engaging with all key stakeholders to progress refuge development in this area. Once complete, this domestic violence refuge will have 8 units available. Cuan is collaborating with Longford Women’s Link to expand the number of Safe Homes in County Longford, which currently has one unit, and is actively seeking potential properties for the purpose.