PLANS TO build a purpose-built refuge for domestic violence victims in the northwest have been put on hold again - after a 10-year wait.
Although a site in Letterkenny, Co Donegal has been acquired, new road plans for the area cut through the site and this will mean further delays.
According to Fiona Doherty, manager of the Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service (DWDVS), the group is now facing a crisis, and victims frequently have nowhere to go because the county's current refuge (which accommodates just two families) cannot cope with demand.
The service, which caters for domestic violence victims in Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and west Cavan, is being stretched to the limit.
Last year the service received 2,229 calls to its helpline and accommodated 37 women and 44 children.
It also conducted 491 outreach appointments.
Ms Doherty revealed that last year the service had to turn away 28 adults with 32 children from its refuge because it did not have room.
In 2002-2007 it had to refuse crisis accommodation to 180 women and 216 children.
"This has caused women and their children to remain in dangerous domestic violence situations, as for these women the reality is that they have nowhere to flee to," Ms Doherty said. "It is imperative, therefore, that this serious lack of crisis accommodation is urgently looked upon as a pressing need."
Last Christmas the temporary refuge accommodation had two families sharing one bedroom at one stage.
She fears that the road planning issue could delay the project by another three years.
The planned new refuge could comprise four self-contained two and three-bedroom units, with staff facilities.
It would be staffed 24 hours daily and would also contain outreach offices and rooms for visiting professionals such as social workers, counsellors and doctors.
Details of the accommodation shortage have been circulated to members of Donegal County Council.
Councillors have reacted angrily to the revelations, and pledged to make the provision of a new refuge - or even temporary accommodation - a priority issue.
Commenting on the figures, councillor Alice Bonner said a new refuge is badly needed while councillor Rena Donaghy described the situation as shocking.
Donegal County Council will now compile a report on the matter and is likely to make recommendations regarding the provision of emergency accommodation.
The DWDVS helpline is 1800 262677.