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Wexford has welcomed a new €6.5 million domestic violence refuge, marking the first facility built under the Government’s Zero Tolerance strategy. The state-of-the-art refuge consists of 12 family units and aims to provide support for victims of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). It is the first of 18 priority locations to complete construction as part of the Government’s commitment to doubling the number of refuge units across the country.
The new facility, developed by Wexford Women’s Refuge in collaboration with Wexford County Council, replaces a smaller, outdated facility and is located close to the Wexford Rape Crisis Centre, ensuring a full range of wraparound services for users. The refuge includes a fully accessible unit for individuals with disabilities, and each unit consists of a bedroom, kitchen/living area, and bathroom, designed to accommodate a mother and her children.
Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice, praised the launch, stating:
“A core aim of the Zero Tolerance Plan to Tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence is ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one. With the launch of this new state-of-the-art facility in Wexford, refuge capacity for vulnerable women and children in this area has increased three-fold.”
The facility was built according to the Department of Housing’s guidelines, with privacy and security at the forefront of the design. The new refuge serves as a sanctuary where victims can not only seek safety but also access a wide range of supports, including counselling and therapeutic services.
Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, emphasised the importance of the development:
“This building has been designed not just as a place to flee to, but as a sanctuary for the most vulnerable members of the community where they can access a holistic range of supports to recover and rebuild their lives following the horror of domestic violence.”
The opening of this new refuge is seen as a significant milestone in the Government’s Third National Strategy, with plans to develop similar facilities in other high-need areas across Ireland. The project was funded through the Capital Assistance Fund and Cuan, the new domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence agency.
James Browne, Minister of State, commended Wexford Women’s Refuge for its long-standing work:
“Wexford Women’s Refuge have been at the frontline of supporting women and their children who have been subjected to domestic violence for nearly 25 years.”
Wexford Women’s Refuge will continue to receive Government funding via Cuan and other departments, ensuring long-term support for victims in the community.