The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, alongside the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan TD, have announced funding approval for the construction of a new domestic violence refuge in Tralee, Co. Kerry.

The infrastructure project is being delivered by ADAPT Kerry, Women's Refuge and Support Services, in collaboration with Kerry County Council under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). The Stage 2 approval enables the initiative to formally transition into its design and planning phase.

Upon completion, the purpose-built refuge will deliver 13 family residential units alongside an extensive array of therapeutic and support spaces. The blueprint includes shared communal kitchen and living areas, a dedicated emergency response room, and therapeutic spaces tailored for children, teenagers, and adults, including quiet study areas to assist residents pursuing education. Staff offices and administrative workspaces will also be integrated into the complex.

The modern facility will replace and significantly expand ADAPT Kerry's current six-unit refuge. To assist the development, Kerry County Council has provided an adjoining plot of land to be converted into dedicated car parking for the facility.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: "This approval marks an important milestone in the delivery of a greatly expanded refuge service for Kerry. The Government is committed to ensuring that women and children experiencing domestic violence have access to safe accommodation and then supports they need to rebuild their lives. This project will more than double existing refuge capacity in the county while also providing a wide range of wraparound services. "We know that access to refuge accommodation can be life-changing for those fleeing abuse. That is why we are continuing to invest in new and expanded facilities across the country. The development will support families not only in times of crisis but also throughout their recovery journey."

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan TD, stated: "I welcome the stage 2 approval of funding for this new domestic violence refuge in Tralee. This investment will increase refuge capacity in Kerry and ensure that more women and children fleeing domestic abuse have access to safe accommodation and the supports they need.

"Providing protection and support for victims and survivors of domestic violence remains a priority for me and for this Government. This important project will ensure critical services are accessible to those in greatest need.

"I want to acknowledge the dedication of ADAPT Kerry, Kerry County Council, Cuan and all those who have been involved in getting this project to this stage. Your collaboration has been instrumental in making this development possible."

Dr Stephanie O'Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, the national Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency, added: "Adapt Kerry have been working with victims and survivors of domestic violence since the early 1990's, and since then have grown in their capacity to provide non-judgemental support for those who need it most.

"Their commitment to the development of this refuge further illustrates their ongoing dedication in providing vital services for vulnerable women and children.

"I want to congratulate Adapt Kerry, and the acknowledge the integral collaborative efforts of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and Kerry County Council, who have all been essential to this project."