Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
813. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the appointment of a county dog warden and two additional dog wardens at Cork County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4155/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolicy and legislative responsibility for dog control transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on 1 June 2025.
However, it is important to note that Local Authorities retain responsibility for all operational, implementation and enforcement matters. These operational and enforcement functions include, inter alia, the hiring of dog wardens, the issuing of fines, or the seizure of canines under relevant legislative provisions.
With respect to dog warden services, in July 2024, Government funding of €2 million was announced for local authorities to support the resourcing of additional dog warden services in 2025. The funding was intended as a contributory allocation towards the hiring of up to 40 additional dog wardens. The funding is not intended to provide for the full cost of employment, rather to act to defray the overall cost of same. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control. Funds were provided to 30 local authorities to support the resourcing of additional dog warden positions in 2025. I am aware that recruitment of additional dog wardens has been undertaken in several local authorities, however, the final number of appointments is not yet available.
I announced on 19 November 2025 that a further funding allocation of €2 million would be made available by my Department in respect of 2026.
While my Department provide this financial support to Local Authorities in respect of dog warden services, it is clearly a matter for each individual Local Authority to manage both the desired level of recruitment and the process of recruitment of wardens.
