New Dundalk Women’s Aid Shelter Approved as Part of National Strategy to Combat Domestic Violence
Ardee News and Sport – New Dundalk Women’s Aid Shelter Approved
Dundalk councillors have officially given the green light for a new Women’s Aid shelter, a major milestone in providing increased support and emergency accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
The project is part of the Department of Justice’s national strategy to tackle domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence and is supported by Cuan, the government agency established to lead efforts in reducing these issues across Ireland.
The new shelter, set to be built on Newry Road, will feature 12 self-contained emergency accommodation units, along with a family access unit and a youth and child support unit, significantly increasing the capacity of Women’s Aid Dundalk to assist those in crisis.
A Long-Awaited Expansion
Women’s Aid Dundalk has been supporting survivors for over 31 years. The existing communal refuge, which opened in 1997, has only been able to accommodate five women or five families at a time, often leading to high demand and limited availability.
Speaking after the Dundalk Municipal District’s monthly meeting, where the project was approved, Ann Larkin, CEO of Women’s Aid Dundalk, expressed her delight at the long-awaited decision:
“It’s absolutely amazing for Women’s Aid Dundalk. Our main objective is to provide safe, secure, and acceptable accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse and coercive control. We’ve been working for years to achieve self-contained units, and to have reached this decision is phenomenal for us.”
She emphasized the profound impact the new shelter will have:
“This will make a huge difference to so many women and children, both locally and from further afield. Domestic abuse is an issue that affects every community, and this expansion means we can provide the protection and support that so many desperately need.”
A Turning Point in Tackling Domestic Abuse
The approval of the new shelter reflects a broader shift in Ireland’s approach to domestic violence intervention. Ms. Larkin noted that in recent years, political momentum behind tackling coercive control and abuse has grown significantly, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the hidden dangers of domestic violence:
“The pandemic raised the lid on coercive control and domestic abuse in this country. People said they would take action, and they have. This is a testament to the political will to address these issues.”
She also acknowledged the seven local women who founded Women’s Aid Dundalk in 1994, recognizing their dedication and vision in creating the first refuge in 1997:
“Here we are now, at this stage of expansion. It’s been a long journey, but we’re here. We’ve come this far, and we will see it through to completion.”
Looking Ahead
With strong government backing and greater awareness of domestic violence, Ms. Larkin believes that progress will accelerate in the coming years:
“I believe the pace of progress will be much faster than in the past – and that can only be a good thing.”
As the Newry Road shelter moves closer to development, Women’s Aid Dundalk continues its vital work, ensuring that women and children have a safe place to turn in their time of need.
For those in need of support, contact Women’s Aid Dundalk or visit their website for assistance.
