Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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1107. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the length of time it is taking for CAS funding to be drawn down for the development of domestic violence refuges; the length of time for each stage of the process when it comes to funding the purchase safe homes, in durations of weeks, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44491/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Eighteen priority areas have been identified nationally for the development of Domestic Violence Refuges. These projects, which are supported through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme and by Cuan (the State agency for Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence), are at various stages of progress.

The first of these, the Wexford Women’s Refuge, was completed in September 2024. The refuge in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is currently on site, eight further projects are in the CAS pre-construction approvals process, while early stage engagements are underway with Domestic Violence service providers and local authorities across the range of other priority areas.

Construction projects do not draw down funding as a single lump sum. Costs are generally spread across several years, from design team fees and site costs which can be drawn down during the funding approval process, to construction costs and administrative payments which are paid throughout the time the project is onsite, usually peaking in the year prior to project completion.

CAS construction projects are expected to complete all pre construction works such as site investigations, preliminary design, planning application and consent, detailed design and procurement within a 75 week timeframe which includes all Department approvals. Construction typically takes 15 to 18 months thereafter. Up to 97.5% of the final approved budget will be drawn down by the time construction has completed, with the remainder paid following approval of the Final Account Budget.

Notably, Approved Housing Bodies developing refuge projects are reimbursed by their respective local authorities, which review and pay all claims prior to submitting their own recoupment claims to my Department. Accordingly, the time taken to reimburse Approved Housing Bodies would be matter solely for the local authorities concerned.

While some safe homes have been funded directly via CAS in the past, groups sourcing, providing and operating safe homes for victims of domestic violence are supported to do so by Cuan as part of the national refuge accommodation programme.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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1108. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on the impact of the length of time it is taking to drawdown funding, via CAS, on organisations being able to purchase properties for safe homes, as sellers will not wait; the action he will take to reduce these long waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44492/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I am satisfied there are no undue delays processing claims from local authorities for approved acquisitions funded via the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS).

That said, while a small number of safe homes may have been funded directly via CAS in the past, groups sourcing, providing and operating safe homes for victims of domestic violence are supported to do so by Cuan, the State agency for Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, as part of the national refuge accommodation programme.

Generally, no prior approval is required from my Department for the purchase of homes by Approved Housing Bodies via CAS, especially where the cost of such homes are in line with the Department's acquisition cost guidelines. Where the cost of such a property exceeds the guideline cost, and prior approval is required from my Department and deemed in order, such approval is typically given within a few weeks of receipt of a proposal.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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1109. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will examine ways to make CAS funding more accessible and quicker to access for the purchase of safe homes and the development of domestic violence refuges, given the need to build capacity, particularly where there is none. [44494/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Eighteen priority areas have been identified nationally for the development of Domestic Violence Refuges. These projects are being supported through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme and by Cuan, the State agency for Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

CAS provides up to 100% capital funding to Approved Housing Bodies to advance Domestic Violence Refuge projects in partnership with Domestic Violence groups. My Department and the Housing Agency work closely with the relevant local authorities and Cuan to support, provide technical advice, and advance these projects from initial design through to construction and completion.

My Department has also published “Domestic Violence Refuge Accommodation Project Brief Design Guidelines” to assist Approved Housing Bodies and their design teams develop funding applications for Domestic Violence Refuges. My Department is also funding a project manager for such projects to help Approved Housing Bodies effectively and efficiently navigate the development process. These collaborative supports have noticeably enhanced the ability of groups to navigate early stages of project development, including with the identification and purchase of suitable sites and developing viable proposals. 

Recognising the level of non-accommodation facilities needed for Domestic Violence Refuges is greater than typical social housing developments, my Department provides 100% CAS funding which also covers the full costs of ancillary services for residents, such as counselling rooms, children’s spaces and secure outdoor spaces. This is a departure from the normal CAS model, which usually provides reduced funding support for non-accommodation facilities, and ensures there isn't an undue fundraising burden placed on Domestic Violence Groups advancing priority refuge projects.  

While some safe homes have been funded directly via CAS in the past, groups sourcing, providing and operating safe homes for victims of domestic violence are supported to do so by Cuan as part of the national refuge accommodation programme.