THE Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, have today announced funding approval for the development of a new domestic violence refuge in Tralee.
The project is being delivered by ADAPT Kerry, Women’s Refuge and Support Services, in partnership with Kerry County Council under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). This Stage 2 approval will allow the project to progress to the planning phase.
Once completed the refuge will provide 13 family residential units together with a comprehensive range of support and therapeutic facilities.
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These will include shared communal kitchen and living spaces, an emergency response room, therapeutic spaces for children, teenagers and adults, including study areas to support residents accessing education. Staff offices and administrative areas will also form part of the development.
The development will replace and significantly expand ADAPT Kerry’s existing six-unit refuge. Kerry County Council have given over an adjoining site which will be developed as car parking for the refuge.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and Kerry T.D Norma Foley welcomed the news saying; “I welcome the this funding approval for an enhanced women’s refuge in Tralee to help victims of domestic violence. This facility will be a vital support for women who have to leave their home immediately for their own safety.”
“I especially want to acknowledge the outstanding work of the management, staff and board of ADAPT Kerry. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and expert personnel providing this enormously important service for the benefit of those who need it.”
Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Michael Cahill has also welcomed the announcement saying; “ADAPT Kerry has provided an invaluable service to people at some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in their lives, and this new development will ensure they have the modern facilities and increased capacity needed to continue and expand that vital work.”
