Funding secured for new domestic violence refuge in Athlone
A funding application for the development of a domestic violence refuge in Athlone has successfully passed its first stage.
The major milestone was announced today (Tuesday) by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD.
This marks a significant step forward in the government's commitment to addressing domestic violence under the Zero Tolerance strategy.
Westmeath has been recognised as a priority area for refuge development as part of the government’s efforts to combat domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). The Third National Strategy on DSGBV outlines an ambitious goal to double the number of refuge units and safe accommodations nationwide. The approval of the funding application, made by Esker House to the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), is a crucial step in meeting this objective.
With the Stage 1 approval now secured, Esker House, in collaboration with key stakeholders, is preparing to submit its Stage 2 application. This next phase will provide detailed plans and costings for the project, outlining the full extent of the necessary works to complete the refuge facility.
Minister Browne expressed his warm support for the project.
"I want to warmly welcome the approval for the CAS Stage 1 capital funding proposal for Athlone Community Services Council, in collaboration with Esker House Domestic Abuse Service, to develop a 12-unit domestic violence refuge facility in Westmeath."
He further emphasized that increasing refuge capacity in Westmeath is a core focus of the government’s Zero Tolerance strategy.
“Today marks an important milestone and is a testament to the strong partnership and cooperation between Esker House, Cuan, the Housing Agency, Westmeath County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and my own department. It is this sustained effort that has brought the project to this crucial juncture and will guide it toward successful delivery."
The new refuge facility will consist of 12 independent units of accommodation, designed to provide vital support to vulnerable women and children in the region. These units will be equipped with essential ancillary services, including advocacy, outreach, and specialized support for those experiencing domestic violence. The addition of this facility is expected to have life-changing benefits for those in need of safety and support.
Esker House, which operates as the primary domestic violence service provider in Westmeath, currently runs a four-unit refuge and provides a wide range of services including advocacy, accompaniment, child and adolescent services, and training. In 2025, Cuan, the national Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Agency, allocated more than €1 million to support the ongoing work of Esker House.
In partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Westmeath County Council, and the Housing Agency, Esker House is now leading the charge in the development of the new refuge. Cuan has also been a key player in facilitating the site selection and application process, ensuring that the project moves forward in a collaborative and efficient manner.
“This new refuge facility will significantly enhance the availability of domestic violence support in Westmeath,” Minister O’Callaghan added. "It is part of a broader national strategy to ensure that victims of domestic abuse have access to the safety and support they need, no matter where they live."
With the first stage of the funding approved, all eyes are now on the submission of Stage 2. As this vital project progresses, the hope is that it will serve as a model of collaboration and commitment to addressing the needs of those affected by domestic violence across Ireland.
The positive news for Esker House has been warmly welcomed by Longford Westmeath TD and Minister of State, Robert Troy, who described it as “a very welcome development” for Athlone and the wider Westmeath area which will provide “further support for those who need to avail of refuge services.”
Minister Troy said refuges provide “safety, protection, and comfort” to women and children who have suffered from abuse, and he commended the ongoing work of Esker House Cuan, and said victims of domestic abuse “do not need to suffer in silence” as there is help available.
A statement issued by Esker House described how they are "heartened" to see a vital investment in their refuge and service infrastructure, and added that the approval of the first stage of Capital Assistance (CAS) funding represents "a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for safe, secure accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence."
Deirdre Berry, Head of Services at Esker House commented that the funding announcement is "not just about bricks and mortar—it is about restoring dignity, safety, and hope" to those subject to all forms of domestic abuse. "We look forward to our continued collaborative work with our partners in the CUAN, Westmeath County Council, the Department of Housing and the Housing Authority to ensure that the new building meets the complex needs of survivors and is delivered without delay" she said.
"We have an extremely committed and supportive Board of management who are deeply involved in the progression of this work. We commend the Government’s commitment to expanding refuge provision and urge continued prioritisation of this issue to ensure that no one is left without a safe place to turn” said Ms. Berry.
Frankie Keena, local Councillor, Board Member of Athlone Community Service Council and a member of the Esker House Refuge development committee, has warmly welcomed the funding announcement, and said work has been ongoing over the past couple of years to find a suitable site for the new refuge facility.
"I am glad to say that this work has identified a suitable site which is very central to the town and all services, which are so important to the service users and staff" said Cllr Keena.
He commended Esker House Head of Services, Deirdre Berry, and her excellent team for their "great work in supporting women subjected to domestic abuse" and also thanked Westmeath County Council, Athlone Community Services Council. CUAN, Department of Housing and Carrie Cowan for their work in driving what he described as "this much needed project."
Esker House provides a 24-hour free phone helpline1800662288, refuge accommodation, support and advocacy, court support services and a specialist child and youth support service. They also provide tailored training to the community. For all enquiries/ information call 0906474122 email info@eskerhouse.ie , www.eskerhouse.ie