Last year 293 requests for shelter at Dundalk Women’s Aid had to be turned away.
That represented an increase of more than 30% in the number of women the group could not facilitate in 2012.
The facility, which provides emergency accommodation on the Long Avenue, is struggling to survive at present due to a lack of funding and support. This problem was highlighted last year when funding for the facility was cut by Louth County Council, leaving the future of Women’s Aid in Dundalk at “crisis point.”
There is a long-term goal of setting up another facility in the Cavan/Monaghan area – something which received the support of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, recently – and while this is but a dream at present, it would be supported in by those working with Women’s Aid in Dundalk.
Lisa Marmion, a spokesperson for the Dundalk group, told the Anglo Celt that there was definitely need for another refuge in the border area.
She said: “Last year we had a total of 293 requests for emergency accommodation that we could not facilitate in Women’s Aid, Dundalk.
“That’s a large jump from the previous year which was 225 and the number of those seeking emergency accommodation has continued to rise in the last three years.
“The need for another refuge in the border county still remains. Now is not the time to be closing refuges,” she said.
Speaking in Cavan recently, Minister Fitzgerald said: “Domestic violence is not a thing of the past but a current issue and we cannot close our eyes to this, especially with the increase of alcohol and drugs.
