‘Really good news’ - Plans for domestic violence refuge in Offaly continuing apace
An update on the project was outlined to councillors at the March meeting of the Edenderry Municipal District
Offaly County Council has said that plans for the development of a domestic violence refuge in the county are continuing apace.
Pauline Hoctor, Senior Executive Officer at Offaly County Council, outlined the plans at the March meeting of the Edenderry Municipal District.
Ms Hoctor was briefing elected members as part of a presentation on the work of the council’s housing department.
She stated: “There are three safe houses that continue to be operational by the support of the Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services (ODVSS) across the county. There is one in each municipal district area.
“Currently, we have ongoing meetings with the ODVSS and Cuan, the Department and The Housing Agency around progressing the delivery of a domestic violence refuge for the county.”
Ms Hoctor continued by outlining the progress the council is looking to make on those plans over the coming months.
“That’s in line with Government policy. Offaly is one of the priority areas and we would be hoping to make significant progress on the development of that refuge over the first six months of this year.
“So I would hope when we go to the full council meeting in October, we’ll have some positive news on that front.”
Sinn Féin councillor Claire Murray welcomed this news and outlined how prominent domestic violence still is in Irish society.
Cllr Murray said: “I just want to say that’s really good news in relation to the refuge. We had a presentation recently and the most dangerous place to be is in your own home.
“Nearly all of the combined reported incidents of all different types and robberies and stuff were equal to the number of domestic violence reports to the gardaí last year.
“So any progression in relation to a refuge for women and children is really welcome.”
In December, the Department of Justice announced that a funding application for the development of a domestic violence refuge in Tullamore had passed the first stage.
The refuge is set to consist of ten self-contained family units with 24/7 crisis response, therapeutic supports and pathways to recovery.
Offaly County Council is working on the project in conjunction with housing body Oaklee and ODVSS.