Former bank building becomes domestic violence refuge and support centre

Safe Ireland, the national social change agency, has lodged a planning application with Monaghan County Council to repurpose the former Ulster Bank building on The Diamond in Clones into an emergency refuge for people experiencing domestic, sexual and gender‑based violence. The proposal, which was submitted on 6 May 2026 and is currently listed as incomplete, seeks permission to convert the historic bank premises into a facility that will house refuge units as well as office, reception, counselling and communal spaces designed to support victims and survivors.

The building, which once served as a branch of Ulster Bank, is situated in the heart of Clones, a market town in County Monaghan. Its central location on The Diamond makes it a visible landmark, and the conversion would give the structure a new purpose that addresses a pressing social need in the community. Safe Ireland’s plans outline a comprehensive support environment, with dedicated rooms for private accommodation, professional counselling, and shared areas where survivors can access resources and build a sense of community.

Monaghan County Council’s planning department has received a number of applications in Clones in recent weeks, reflecting a period of active redevelopment in the town. In addition to the refuge proposal, the council has approved a commercial storage building and associated site works, a conversion of a disused dry‑cleaning facility into residential accommodation, and a modular covered spectator stand for a local sports venue. These projects illustrate the council’s willingness to consider a range of uses for existing buildings, from commercial to residential to community services.

The refuge application is part of a broader trend in the county to repurpose vacant or under‑used structures for social good. By transforming the former bank into a safe haven, Safe Ireland aims to provide a secure, confidential environment for those fleeing violence. The facility will include private refuge units, a reception area for intake and initial assessment, counselling rooms staffed by trained professionals, and communal spaces where survivors can engage in group activities and access support services. The design intends to meet the specific needs of domestic, sexual and gender‑based violence survivors, offering a continuum of care from immediate safety to longer‑term recovery.

The planning application is still pending review by the council. As it stands, the application is incomplete, meaning that additional information or revisions are required before a decision can be made. The council will consider the proposal in the context of local planning policies, including the need for adequate housing, community facilities and the preservation of the town’s character. If approved, the project would represent a significant investment in social infrastructure for Clones and the wider Monaghan area.

The choice of the former Ulster Bank building is symbolic. The structure, with its robust construction and prominent façade, has long been a fixture of the town’s commercial life. Its conversion into a refuge would not only preserve the building’s architectural heritage but also give it a new, socially valuable function. Safe Ireland’s proposal includes provisions for maintaining the building’s exterior appearance, ensuring that the change of use does not detract from the town’s visual identity.

The broader context of domestic, sexual and gender‑based violence in Ireland underscores the importance of such facilities. National statistics show that a significant proportion of survivors require safe accommodation and professional support. By providing a dedicated refuge in Clones, Safe Ireland seeks to fill a gap in the local service network, offering survivors a place where they can begin the healing process in a secure environment.

The council’s decision will be closely watched by local residents, advocacy groups and service providers. If approved, the project could set a precedent for similar conversions elsewhere in the county, encouraging the adaptive reuse of historic buildings for community benefit. The application also highlights the role of national agencies like Safe Ireland in driving social change at the local level, working in partnership with local authorities to address urgent needs.

For more details, see the Monaghan County Council planning file 2660182.

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