The building which be transformed to become the new national headquarters of the Irish Dogs for the Disabled (IDFD) received a visit from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, where plans were reviewed for the 11.5-acre site overlooking Cork City, purchased two years ago.
This landmark development, once complete, will enable IDFD to expand its services and make a greater impact on the lives of children and adults living with physical disabilities.
IDFD assistance dogs provide practical support by performing everyday tasks that mitigate the impact of disability. Founded in 2007, ist’ the only charity of its kind in Ireland and has placed 500 dogs nationwide, from Cork to Donegal. Each dog costs €15,000 to produce, train, and support, and is provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the Irish public. Demand remains high, with approximately 30 enquiries each week.
Speaking during the visit, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “It was a real privilege to be here today and see how far Irish Dogs for the Disabled has come in the last ten years. The work they do is truly unique and life-changing. Watching the dogs in action, especially Scamp, a trainee assistance dog, and the gorgeous puppies, was impressive. Meeting the children and hearing the personal stories of these partnerships was inspiring,” he said.
PROVIDING HOPE
During the visit, An Taoiseach met some wonderful child partnerships and heard first-hand how their assistance dogs have transformed their lives.
Susan Radley, mother of River, shared: “After River acquired a life-changing brain injury, he had to relearn so many things, including how to walk again. Samson, his new assistance dog, has been an extraordinary part of that journey. With his calm presence and steady support, Samson gives River the confidence and reassurance he needs as he works so hard to regain his mobility. Dogs for the Disabled has given our family hope at a time when we desperately needed it. Meeting the Taoiseach, Mícheál Martin, highlighted just how vital it is that this life-changing work continues for other children like River.”
SUPPORT
Staff and volunteers were onsite to introduce puppies to An Taoiseach, while trainers performed a wheelchair demonstration with Scamp, a black Labrador, showcasing the highly skilled tasks the dogs are trained to perform, from retrieving phones, keys, and wallets to pressing pedestrian and alarm buttons and completing tugging tasks to support those with restricted mobility.
The charity now requires vital funding to bring its new headquarters into operation and is seeking government support alongside public donations to progress this essential development.
For more information, please visit www.dogsfordisabled.ie.
