In last night’s budget meeting in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council People Before Profit, councillor Melisa Halpin won an agreement from the meeting and the council executive for a new Domestic Violence service within the council for housing applicants and tenants.
The annual budget for the council was agreed tonight. At the meeting councillor Melisa Halpin sought the funding for this service that would support vulnerable tenants; housing applicants and those fleeing abusive situations.
Cllr Melisa Halpin (Dún Laoghaire) said: "Today is international day for the elimination of violence against women. It is a true indictment of our society that we still need to have a day to eliminate violence against 50% of the population. There are so many measures that can and should be taken by governments and councils across the country. We need more refuge spaces, we need an end to the housing crisis that often means that women are forced to stay in abusive situations, we need proper supports in place in all workplaces and institutions for women. Last night I brought a small proposal to provide this new service.
"In my role as councillor I meet council tenants and housing applicants who are desperate to get out of an abusive situation. These women need a service that is expert in these issues to advise on the best course of action.
"I am delighted that the meeting and the council executive agreed to have this service in place next year with the first member of staff in place in January 2026.
"This is one tiny step in the support of those fleeing abuse and I will continue to stand up and fight for more supports for these women".