'A huge moment for Laois' New partner found to build Laois Domestic Abuse shelter
Laois is among last few Irish counties without a shelter for abused women and children
New progress has been welcomed in the long delayed plan to build a Laois domestic abuse shelter.
A replacement Approved Housing Body has been found to partner with Laois Domestic Abuse Service (LDAS) to apply for funding to build the urgently needed shelter.
Tuath will now work with LDAS to apply again for CAS funding from the state, following the Department of Housing's rejection of funding last November with the then housing partner Sophia described as "ineligible".
The details were confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live by Cuan, Ireland's recently formed Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency.
"The Approved Housing Body Selected is Tuath Housing Association, it is the same site and location and both parties are now prioritising the submission of the CAS 1 application," a Cuan spokesperson said.
The Portlaoise based shelter plan went on pause in November 2025 when Sophia housing association was rejected as a project partner with Laois Domestic Abuse Service, to the shock of Laois politicians.
A Laois senator has welcomed progress in "a huge moment" for the county.
Laois Sinn Féin senator Maria McCormack this week sought an update from Government state agencies on the long awaited shelter for women and their children seeking protection from dangerous partners.
Senator McCormack asked about it at a Dáil meeting Tuesday, April 21 of the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Dr Stephanie O'Keeffe is the CEO of Cuan, Ireland's recently formed Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency.
"We're delighted that we have an AHB partner in Laois. The planning process is actually commencing. Unfortunately in Laois they had a previous planning partner and that didn't work out.
"That really did delay the process but they are up and running now and really enthusiastic. The local stakeholder group is in place and it's going well," the Cuan chief told the Laois senator.
A representative of the Safe Ireland Social Change Agency, a national body working to eradicate Domestic, Sex, Gender and Sexuality-Based Violence (DSGSBV) in Ireland, confirmed the progress.
"They just met again, great news. It's all happening. It's now about getting the MOU together with the two partners and progressing to the local authority," the Safe Ireland rep said.
It is four years since TUSLA listed a Laois domestic abuse shelter as a priority. It is over two years since a property was bought in Portlaoise for €1.75m in taxpayers’ money by Laois County Council on behalf of LDAS. The eight unit shelter is planned to be built behind what is a historic Portlaoise house. The house will in turn become the new base for LDAS services.
Senator Maria McCormack had reminded them that "we need a refuge in Laois, we are one of the few counties without one."
"This is a huge moment for Laois," she said afterwards.
"Yesterday at the Justice Committee, it was confirmed by Cuan and Safe Ireland that we will finally have a domestic abuse refuge in Laois.
"This is something that so many women and families have fought for over the years. For too long, victims in our county had to leave their community, their support networks, and travel for safety. That was never acceptable.
"Today, we move one step closer to changing that. This refuge will save lives. It will give women and children a safe place to turn in their darkest moments.
"It sends a clear message, you are not alone, and help is here. I will continue to push to ensure this is delivered as quickly as possible and that Laois gets the full support it deserves. Progress matters. And today, this is progress," Senator McCormack said.
The Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900. Contact Laois Domestic Abuse Service on 057 867 1360 or see laoisdomesticabuseservice.ie