Cowen welcomes update on Offaly refuge

Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen, has welcomed an update from the Ministers for Justice and Children that there will now be engagement with Offaly County Council, government departments and State agencies to source refuge provision in the county.

The news comes following the publication of the Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Deputy Cowen commented, “This is a vitally important matter that I have been working to progress for some time now and I welcome the update that there will now be engagement to source a refuge for Offaly.

“Currently, of the 26 counties, nine do not have a refuge and Offaly is one of those; it is urgently needed. The establishment of an Offaly Women’s Refuge is something I have spoken to the Minister for Justice about on several occasions already and I will work closely with the Minister to ensure this commitment is realised.''

The timelines for delivery, as well as further targets for nationwide delivery of refuge accommodation, will be outlined by Minister McEntee as part of the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and accompanying action plans, which will be published in April.