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From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, have today announced funding approval for the development of a new domestic violence refuge in Turners Cross, Cork City.

Cork City has been identified as a priority location under Zero Tolerance, the Government’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence – which aims to significantly expand refuge capacity and safe accommodation nationwide.

The domestic violence refuge is being delivered by Good Shepherd Cork and Cuanlee Refuge in partnership with Cork City Council under the Capital Assistance Scheme and will now progress to the pre-tender stage. This project includes the retention and refurbishment of an existing heritage listed building, together with the construction of a new apartment block to the east of the building to deliver a 20-unit Domestic Violence Refuge with associated ancillary services. A further 32 social homes are proposed for delivery on the wider site as part of a subsequent phase of development.

Alongside the 20 accommodation units, the completed domestic violence refuge will have a range of ancillary facilities including shared communal kitchen and living areas, a training room, a children’s playroom, staff and administration spaces, staff overnight accommodation, reception and laundry facilities, and outdoor communal areas.

Construction on the domestic violence refuge is expected to complete in Q3 2028.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said:

“Families fleeing domestic violence need access to safe, secure accommodation and the right supports at what can be an incredibly difficult and challenging time in their lives.

“This significant funding will deliver a new 20 family domestic violence refuge in Cork, providing safe accommodation alongside dedicated counselling, therapeutic and support services.

“Cork has been identified as a priority area for refuge development under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and today’s Stage 3 approval is an important step in bringing this much-needed facility forward.

“The redevelopment of the structure will also deliver 32 social homes on the site, alongside the new refuge, helping to provide much needed social housing in Cork City, while bringing this important existing site back into use.

“I look forward to seeing this project progress to construction and, ultimately, providing a safe place and vital supports for families who need them.”

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, said:

“I am focused on ensuring that anyone experiencing domestic violence can access safe accommodation and the supports they need. The approved funding for this important new refuge in Cork City will significantly increase refuge capacity in the region and, most importantly, ensure that those experiencing domestic violence have access to safe accommodation and specialist supports.

“Providing safe accommodation is a cornerstone of our response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and this project represents another important step in delivering on the commitments set out in the Zero Tolerance Strategy.

“I want to commend Good Shepherd Cork, Cuanlee Refuge and Cork City Council for their commitment and partnership in bringing this project forward. This is an investment in safety, recovery, and hope. Above all, it is about giving survivors the opportunity to rebuild their lives and look to the future with confidence.”

Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, said:

“This is a significant step forward in truly collaborative efforts to provide safe accommodation and supports for victim-survivors of domestic violence in Cork. I would like to thank Good Shepherd Cork; Cuanlee Refuge; the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and Cork City Council for their work in driving this project forward to ensure vital places of safety are available for families in crisis.”