New Women's Refuge for Navan
Councillors have approved plans by Meath County Council for a new Women’s Refuge and a 35‑unit housing development on a 1.3-hectare site in Navan.
The Women’s Refuge will provide a modern, purpose‑built facility delivering essential supports for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. The development will include a main building offering day services and support facilities, alongside 12 secure residential accommodation units.
The refuge will also incorporate secure parking and a protected residential courtyard, including a secure sensory garden, designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for residents.
Funding for the Women’s Refuge has been approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Capital Assistance Scheme, following an application by Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services, now operating as Willow Domestic Abuse Services, which was supported by Meath County Council.
Once completed, the new facility will significantly enhance Willow DAS’s capacity to continue providing vital services to women and children across County Meath.
The project will now progress to the next stages of detailed design, tender and construction, with the current estimated completion date set for Quarter 3 of 2028.
The Part 8 planning application also includes a 35‑unit residential development located to the rear of the site, which will be connected via a new access road immediately south of the proposed Women’s Refuge. This housing element will be advanced under the Council’s Capital Programme, subject to approved funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The housing development will comprise four residential blocks including a three‑storey apartment building containing 15 one‑ and two‑bed units and two two‑storey duplex blocks providing a total of 16 units, comprising two‑bed ground‑floor units and one‑bed first‑floor units.
The fourth block will have four two‑storey, three‑bed houses.
All ground‑floor apartment and duplex units are designed to meet Universal Design and Age‑Friendly standards, supporting accessibility and long‑term sustainable living.
This combined development represents a significant investment in social infrastructure, housing delivery and community wellbeing in Navan, and reflects Meath County Council’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community while delivering high‑quality, inclusive housing.