New date set for Laois domestic violence refuge funding application

Progress has "halted" to build a domestic abuse shelter for Laois families in danger, but a new date has been set to apply for construction funding.

The initial housing body leading the project is now deemed "ineligible".

Sophia Housing Body, which is nearing completion of an iconic Portlaoise social housing project at the former Presentation convent and school, was turned down in its application to fund the 8-unit shelter last November, to the 'shock' of Laois politicians.

The search has begun for a new housing body to partner with Laois Domestic Abuse Service (LDAS) and seek state funding.

A new date of March 1 has been set to apply for state funding, following an important meeting on January 30.

A disappointed Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that it must stay "on the radar".

"I appreciate that the council gave us an update and I welcome that they had the meeting. It seems it went well though I would have liked to see things moved on further. At least it clarifies any uncertainty, that Sophia is not taking on the project.

"It's about keeping it on the radar now. I hope they identify an approved housing body as soon as possible. The building will have its own challenges, being a protected structure. However this is a vital service that is badly needed," she said.

LDAS helps 550 Laois women affected by domestic abuse every year, offering a range of services including counselling. They recently published a groundbreaking report on the extent of sexual violence experienced by local women.

Laois County Council met with Cuan, the Government's domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency, Laois Domestic Abuse Service and officials from the Department of Housing to discuss the issue.

Cuan is collaborating with Laois Domestic Abuse Services (LDAS), Laois County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLG&H) and the Housing Agency to deliver a capital project for an 8-unit refuge in Laois. 

They say that "The DHLG&H notified Cuan and other stakeholders that the original AHB partner for this development is ineligible for new capital assistance funding due to regulatory issues that will take significant time to address, thus halting progress on this development.

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"In response, Cuan is taking the lead on identifying a new housing body through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, with LDAS reaffirming its role as the domestic violence service provider for this project.  The EOI will seek eligible AHBs capable of accessing CAS funding and interested in partnering with LDAS who play a crucial role in delivering services locally.

"The Expression of Interest will be issued via the Irish Council of Social Housing and the Housing Alliance, with the most suitable AHB selected after a thorough review by Cuan, DHLG&H, Housing Agency, Laois County Council and LDAS. 

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"All stakeholders are committed to establishing a timeline that ensures that the partnership agreement between an AHB and LDAS is finalised, allowing for the submission of CAS Stage 1 by the end of March 2026," say Cuan.

The shelter is to be built to the rear of a listed architecturally and historically important house in Portlaoise, bought in 2023 by Laois County Council for €1.4m. The historic building will eventually become the new base for Laois Domestic Abuse Service services. It remains vacant and waiting.