Refuge to close as red tape denies vital funds

A refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence has to close for lack of funds because the State does not classify it as emergency accommodation.

The Cuan Álainn refuge in Tallaght, Dublin, has not taken any new referrals since Monday and the nine families staying there will have to be moved out over the next 10 weeks.

The refuge was built by the Respond housing charity which believed the State would take over funding the facility as it does other domestic violence refuges.