Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Wicklow-Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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1942. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development what plan his Department has to address the problem of dog attacks on sheep farms in south Wicklow, including expansion and resourcing of the dog warden system; if consideration has been given to the request from farm organisations that his Department take control of the entire dog control system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10693/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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As I advised the Deputy in my response to his previous question on this matter (Dáil question number 871) on 18 February 2025, I believe it is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities - not just to the general public but also to their dogs.

In November 2023, new regulations increased ‘on-the-spot’ fines for a range of offences under the Control of Dogs Act, including trebling the fines for most serious offences.

My Department intends to launch a major national awareness campaign in the coming weeks to reinforce responsible dog ownership and to raise awareness of the dangers that can be posed to people and to livestock by uncontrolled dogs.

A high level stakeholder group was established in 2024 to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to these issues.

In 2024, my Department provided €2 million in capital funding to local authorities to expand and improve their dog pounds and dog warden facilities. This funding builds on the €2 million that was provided for dog warden facilities in 2023. Total funding of €121,754 has been provided to Wicklow County Council under the Dog Control Support Initiative.

In addition, €2 million current funding is available for local authorities to support the resourcing of increased dog warden services from 2025. My Department have recently contributed €50,000 to Wicklow County Council to support the resourcing of one additional dog warden post in the county. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the legislation.

As part of the Programme for Government, the Government has set out how it intends to provide for an enhanced approach to dog control issues. In this regard, all legislation and policy in relation to the Control of Dogs, Dog Welfare and Dog Breeding Establishments will rest with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Discussions are currently ongoing between my Department and that Department to implement this Transfer of Functions in a timely manner.

In the meantime, I am fully committed to progressing the work in this area.