State-of-the-art domestic violence refuge opens in County Wexford
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From: Department of Justice
- Published on: 12 September 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
Today saw the opening of a new, €6.5 million domestic violence refuge in Wexford. The government, through the Capital Assistance Fund and Cuan, have funded the build and will support the new refuge.
Wexford is the first of 18 priority locations to complete construction on a new domestic violence refuge as part of the government’s work under Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, to double the number of refuge units.
The facility was developed by Wexford Women’s Refuge in co-operation with Wexford County Council. It is located close to Wexford Rape Crisis Centre, which will ensure the provision of wraparound services for the women and children who use the refuge.
The building contains a total of 12 family units, including a fully accessible disability unit. It replaces the existing four-unit facility in the town, which is no longer fit for purpose. Each unit in the new facility contains a bedroom, kitchen/living area, and bathroom, and can accommodate a family of one mother and her children.
The primary purpose of the new facility is to provide refuge and respite accommodation to DSGBV victims and their families. In addition, the facility has been designed as a modern space that can facilitate a range of wraparound and ancillary services, including a therapeutic space, family room, and a common room.
The facility will also serve as a hub to facilitate community and outreach initiatives to support vulnerable families in the community.
Minister McEntee said:
"It’s a hugely important step on the road to doubling the number of refuge spaces to 280 nationally over the lifetime of our Zero Tolerance plan. And I know Cuan, the new domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency, is working to deliver the highest standard of accommodation and to ensure organisations are assisted at all stages on these developments."
Minister O’Brien commented:
"Whilst Wexford is the first refuge to be completed under the Third National Strategy it will be far from the last, with a number of projects under development and expected to start construction within the next year, and plans for even more in high need areas around the country. Ireland has committed to doubling the number of refuge spaces available to ensure those in need have access to safety, support, and advocacy so that they can move forward with their lives."
Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne said:
"I want to thank refuge chair Vicky Barron and the Board of Directors, the staff and volunteers at the refuge for their tireless work to change the lives of women and children across county Wexford."
Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, said:
"It is a very proud milestone for Cuan, and a fantastic sign that the expansion of domestic violence refuge facilities in the State is proceeding apace."