Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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997. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the increase in the number of dog wardens across all local authorities as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7263/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. Local authorities, through the Dog Warden service, have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts including enforcement.

In July 2024, it was announced that funding of €2 million would be available to local authorities from 2025 to support the resourcing of dog warden services. This funding allocation recognised the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the legislation.

Each local authority was informed of their funding allocation in December 2024. The operational details of the funding are currently being finalised and funds will be distributed to the local authorities in the coming weeks. The employment of additional dog wardens is a matter for each local authority.