The sod has been turned on a new €6.5m domestic violence refuge in Louth, the latest after four opened in the county last year.
The facility will be run by Women's Aid Dundalk and will provide 12 residential units along with therapeutic spaces, a family access unit and a dedicated youth and child support unit.
It will also have overnight staff accommodation, outdoor play areas and green space.
The development was identified as a priority under the third national strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender based violence (DSGBV) and the sod was turned by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan today.
The minister said it marked another step in the delivery of increased refuge accommodation in Louth.
"This is a critical expansion of services for those affected by domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in the county. It reaffirms my commitment to provide safe accommodation across the country for victims and survivors who need support at their most vulnerable time".
Ann Larkin, CEO of Women's Aid Dundalk, said it was hoped the service could provide wrap around support to help women and children "on their journey out of abuse", as well as being a resource and source of information to support the whole community "in working towards eliminating DSGBV in our society".
Cuan, the national domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency, worked with Women's Aid Dundalk, the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency and Louth County Council on the site selection process.
In 2025, the number of domestic violence refuge units increased by 13 - four in Louth and nine in Dublin city.
The total number is now 172, and a further 21 units are expected to be completed and made operational this year.
