Kennel Improvement Scheme

RCÉ launches Kennel Improvement Scheme

*2023 Scheme open from March 2023*

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) / Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) today launched a new scheme designed to assist greyhound owners across the Republic of Ireland in modernising and improving their existing kennels.

The Kennel Improvement Scheme is the latest in a series of initiatives introduced by RCÉ over the past 12 months, including the RCÉ Traceability System, Serious Injury Scheme, Dental Assistance Scheme and the expansion of the Greyhound Care Centre Programme.

Frank Nyhan, Chair of the Board of RCÉ, said, “the scheme is being introduced to ensure money is available to the greyhound industry to assist in the modernisation and ongoing improvement of the surroundings within which greyhounds are kept, with a view to improving the welfare of these animals.”

“The objective of the scheme is to assist in the development and improvement of existing kennelling facilities within which greyhounds are kept in the Republic of Ireland. The objective is not merely to facilitate the expansion of existing kennels,” he added.

Outlining details of the scheme, William Fitzgerald, GRI Veterinary Director, stated, “On receipt of a successful application RCÉ will assist the applicant with a contribute up to 75% of the cost to a maximum of €2,500. Funding for this scheme has been ringfenced and once all of the finding is allocated, applications will be suspended until the following year.”

Mr. Fitzgerald confirmed that the scheme also will require at least one visit from an RCÉ Welfare Officer.

Terms and Conditions and application forms for the Kennel Improvement Scheme can be downloaded from www.grireland.ie/kennelimprovement

Kennel Improvement Scheme Announcement 

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INTRODUCTION

The Board of RCE recognise that, heretofore, the main method of distribution of funding through the greyhound racing industry, has been prizemoney. The Kennel Improvement Scheme was devised to ensure money is available to the greyhound Industry to assist in the modernisation and ongoing improvement of the surroundings within which greyhounds are kept, with a view to improving the welfare of these animals

BACKGROUND

The Board of RCE has taken the decision to assist the greyhound industry in accepting applications for funding to subsidise construction works which are necessary to improve the welfare of the greyhounds residing there. RCE proposes that on receipt of a successful application that it will assist the applicant with a contribute up to 75% of the cost to a maximum of €2,500. The Board has ringfenced €100,000 per annum for this project and once the initial fund has been allocated, applications will be suspended until the following year.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the Scheme is to assist in the development and improvement of existing kennelling facilities within which greyhounds are kept in the Republic of Ireland. The objective is not merely to facilitate the expansion of existing kennels.

APPLICATION

The application process will involve at least one visit from an independent RCE Welfare Officer. Premises applying for the Scheme must be in the Republic of Ireland.

The works may be to address issues which are highlighted during welfare inspections. Any works requiring planning permission will need to furnish that number as part of that application.

Works that require independent certification by an engineer vis a vis planning permission compliance will need to indicate so and details of Engineer Certificate will need to be submitted. A second visit by the welfare officer will be required to certify that works have been completed. Any works must be completed by independent contractors who are VAT registered and proof of payment must be demonstrated.

KENNEL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

APPLICATION FORM - KENNEL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

CONDITIONS - KENNEL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME