Green light for DDR’s new kennels
DUNDALK Dog Rescue (DDR) are embarking on a major fundraising drive following confirmation that they have received planning permission for new state of the art kennels at Dromiskin.
Louth County Council has approved permission for the kennels at Whiterath, which will be the first of its kind in Ireland and will prove Dundalk to be a leading example in animal welfare across Ireland.
It will include a single story kennel with room for 45 dogs, a treatment area, reception and viewing area, and space for administrative work, as well as outdoor exercise areas for dogs.
The rescue, which is run entirely by volunteers, launched a major fundraising campaign last year to meet the cost of the project which is estimated to be around €200,000.
The group have currently raised over €95,000 and while they are more than grateful for the support shown to date by the community, they have not crossed the finish line just yet.
The new kennels will allow the charity to continue its work in rehoming dogs which have been abandoned or handed into the pound.
All the hard work has continued to pay off for the voluntary organisation after saving almost 600 healthy dogs from being ‘put to sleep’ in 2017.
The rescue would like to take this opportunity to thank their architect Ciaran Hughes and solicitor Karen McMahon, who both kindly donated their time and professional assistance to help ensure the planning permission was achieved.
The goal for Dundalk Dog Rescue is to be in their new centre by Christmas 2018 and chairperson Paddy Monahan believes this will only be achieved with the continued support of the local community and business community in Dundalk.
‘Several Dundalk based companies have come forward to offer assistance in any way they can, selecting sponsorship packages from our fundraising portfolio and with just a few more companies on board, I know we can see this project through.’
Paddy said: ‘ The support from the town has been overwhelming and we hope the people of Dundalk will also have a great sense of pride knowing our town will be the first in Ireland to build their own rescue centre and help create a better future for the welfare of dogs.’
There’s a big table quiz and raffle planned for The Lisdoo on February 16th with lots of great prizes, games and freebies. Tickets are €10 per person.
In the meantime, Dundalk Dog Rescue are appealing to people to donate unwanted clothes and have organised collection points where people can drop off their donations.
The Dundalk Dog Rescue van will be in the car park at DkIT Sport on Saturday January 27 from 11 am to 4pm and at Healthy Pets Veterinary Clinic, Ard Easmuinn Road on Monday 28 and Wednesday 31 January from 9.30am to 6.30pm. They have also put a call out to all “dog friendly” builders and contractors who would like to get involved in the next phase of this ground breaking project. Anyone who wishes to get involved should email bobby@dundalkdogrescue.ie.