Update on plan for Laois domestic abuse refuge centre
The latest update has been revealed on a plan to open the first refuge centre in Laois for women and children living in abuse situations.
While the Laois Domestic Abuse Service office continues to offer vital help to hundreds of families living in abusive situations, a bricks and mortar secure residential centre remains just a hope.
It's site is narrowed down to two existing buildings in Portlaoise, according to a local councillor.
This September, Laois County Council have given a progress update on efforts to buy a site.
"The housing department together with Laois Domestic Abuse Service are in the final stages of acquiring a site for the service.
"Discussions have been had with the Department of Housing in relation to the funding and size of the site. However we continue to work with LDAS to ensure an appropriately sized site is acquired.
"It is intended to meet with the CEO of LDAS to progress this matter in the coming days".
The statement is in reply to a motion tabled by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley to the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.
Cllr Dwane Stanley stressed the urgency.
"We are waiting a long time to provide this refuge centre to Laois. The preferred option is to have it in Portlaoise. We are one of nine counties who don't provide one. It is vital and important.
"Over a year ago we went to see a facility in Galway and it was second to none. I'm aware you are very near to making an announcment on which faciliity it is. There is one on the Mountrath road and one on the Stradbally road.
"I visited both. It is important we get clarification soon. We can't ferry people out of the county. Women and children leaving their schools, their GPs, their supports in friends and neighbours. We need to know which place it is, to get the ball rolling," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.
"The figures for domestic abuse are going up in Laois all the time, it's an emergency situation," the Portlaoise MD Cathaoirleach, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald agreed.
Cllr Marie Tuohy seconded the motion.
"This is a hidden, vital need," she said.
Cllr Thomasina Connell agreed that "it needs to be done, it needs to be progressed".