GREYHOUND RACING IRELAND ANNOUNCE DETAILS FOR KENNEL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME FOR 2026

GRI

Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) has today announced the Kennel Improvement Programme for 2026, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to continuously raising welfare standards across the greyhound racing industry.

First introduced in July 2022, the programme is a targeted measure designed to support licensed participants in delivering and maintaining high-quality kennel environments that meet and exceed required welfare standards. The 2026 programme will again provide €100,000 in funding to support essential improvements, with applications accepted until the fund has been fully allocated.

Participation in the programme is strictly conditional on full compliance with GRI rules and all welfare requirements. Funding will only be awarded to applicants who demonstrate a clear commitment to best practice in greyhound care. Importantly, funding will not be approved for works intended to address deficiencies identified through formal welfare inspections. Responsibility for meeting baseline standards rests fully with the kennel owner at all times.

All applications will be subject to review, with a clear focus on projects that deliver meaningful and measurable welfare enhancements. This ensures that available funding is directed where it will have the greatest positive impact on greyhound wellbeing.

“We are pleased to launch the Kennel Improvement Programme for 2026, which forms part of our broader strategy to drive continuous welfare improvement across the industry,” said Director of Veterinary Services, Pat Meskell. “Maintaining high welfare standards is a fundamental requirement of participation in greyhound racing. This programme is designed to support those who are committed to going further, to enhance conditions and deliver best-in-class care for their greyhounds.”

GRI encourages all eligible applicants who meet the required standards to apply promptly and the programme will close once available funding has been fully allocated.

For further details and to access the application form, please visit the official Greyhound Racing Ireland website: grireland.ie/kennelimprovement