868. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of domestic violence refuge units and safe-home units available when Cuan commenced and at present, by county; the number under development in each county; the expected opening date of each project; and the current and planned provision for County Louth. [64722/26]

This Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle all forms 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.

Refuge units and safe homes provide a vital place of safety for families in crisis. The Government is determined to continue to establish units across the country to ensure that those supports are available when they are most needed.

At the start of the zero-tolerance strategy, there were 49 safe homes and 141 DV refuge units in place. By the end of 2026, the target is to increase this to 94 safe homes,193 refuge units, with an additional 50 units under construction. All refuges scheduled to open in 2026 are on track, including 12 units in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown expected to be operational in Q4 2026.

I am advised that 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. Furthermore, Cuan continues to explore additional opportunities for developing domestic violence accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking, while also considering interim refuges and alternative accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.

Cuan has advised that the table below outlines safe accommodation units by county, as of Q3 2026, which outlines 17 domestic violence refuge units in Louth. In addition to these units, the construction of a 12-unit refuge is currently underway. This project received Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS ) Stage 4 approval on 9 January. This development, which was identified as a priority under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV), is being led by Women’s Aid Dundalk.

I am further advised that when complete, the facility will provide 12 residential units along with therapeutic spaces, a family access unit, a dedicated youth and child support unit, overnight staff accommodation, outdoor play areas and open green space. The centre will enable Women’s Aid Dundalk to deliver a comprehensive range of wraparound services, including counselling and ongoing support for women and families.

Cuan overview of DV Accommodation by County (Q3 2026)