2361. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress to date in the provision of a refuge centre in County Cavan for victims of domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58235/26]

2362. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress to date in providing a refuge centre in County Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58236/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2361 and 2362 together.

One domestic violence refuge in the Cavan-Monaghan region was agreed as a priority area for refuge development under Zero Tolerance.

Cuan actively engaged with the all stakeholders including Safe Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils and the Housing Agency, to progress the development of a 12-unit refuge in this region, which will also include community-facing ancillary support services.

The Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) Stage 1 application for a refuge site in Monaghan was approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage last October 2025. Work is ongoing towards submitting a Stage 2 application, which will include further detail and costings on the full extent of works that will be required. The CAS process takes an average 75 weeks with construction typically taking a further 15 to 18 months. Safe Ireland is the lead Approved Housing Body on this development.

This new refuge facility will include 12 independent units of refuge accommodation, along with essential ancillary services, thereby strengthening domestic violence support in the region.

The following developments have been progressed with the support of the Minister for Justice, DHLGH, the Housing Agency, local authorities and Safe Ireland.

An interim refuge with 5 family units will open in Monaghan this year.

Cavan County Council will allocate three units to deliver three Safe Homes in the county this year, which will be run by Safe Ireland.

Monaghan County Council will allocate three units to deliver three Safe Homes in the county this year, which will be run by Safe Ireland.

All key stakeholders are working together to ensure there is a substantial uplift in service across the Cavan-Monaghan region. Safe Ireland is working with the stakeholder group to create a solid infrastructure and a coherent connected response across both counties.