Minister welcomes funding for Esker House and Athlone Rape Crisis Centre

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has welcomed the allocation of funding to two key Athlone services under the recent €3.2 million national funding package for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services.

Athlone Community Services Council CLG (Esker House) will receive €15,000, while Athlone Rape Crisis Centre will receive €71,216.48.

Minister Moran said: “I warmly welcome this funding for Esker House and Athlone Rape Crisis Centre. Both organisations provide vital supports to people in Athlone and the wider Midlands who are experiencing crisis and trauma. This investment will strengthen their capacity to deliver services locally, ensuring that victims and survivors can access the help they need when they need it. I want to thank Minister Jim O’Callaghan for securing this funding in Budget 2025, and Cuan for recognising the importance of supporting Athlone services.”

Funding was allocated following a targeted call by Cuan, the national agency for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Esker House and Athlone Rape Crisis Centre are among 67 services nationwide to benefit from the €3.2 million allocation.