Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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117. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on a domestic violence refuge in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67256/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and ensuring that victims and survivors receive the support and care they need, is an absolute priority for me. Since its establishment last year, Cuan has been working to accelerate the delivery of safe emergency accommodation across the country.

Working with services and partners, Cuan assessed progress to date and identified actions to speed up delivery and bring additional safe emergency accommodation on stream as quickly as possible to meet the needs of those fleeing violence.

On foot of this review, completed in spring 2025, the following will be delivered by the end of 2026:

• 52 new family refuge units

• 45 new safe homes

• 50 additional units under construction

At the outset of the Zero Tolerance strategy, there were 49 safe homes in place. By the end of 2026, it is expected that there will be 94 safe homes, and 193 refuge units completed, bringing total safe accommodation to 287 units, with a further 50 refuge units under construction.

In County Roscommon, plans are underway for the development of an eight-unit purpose-built refuge and work is progressing on this. Cuan have established a local Stakeholder Group to lead and support the development of the accommodation - this group includes representation from Roscommon Safe Link, Roscommon County Council, Cuan, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Sonas. I am informed that site feasibility is being completed on a potential site.

Safe Home accommodation was developed in the county with two safe homes becoming operational in July of this year. Roscommon Safe Link received additional funding from Cuan for the development and delivery of these safe homes.