Byrne welcomes funding for the Irish Blue Cross

A TOTAL of €180,000 has been allocated in funding for the Irish Blue Cross animal care charity in Inchicore.

The money is part of an annual grant from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Deputy Catherine Byrne (FG), who visited the Irish Blue Cross in Goldenbridge Industrial Estate with the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, welcomed the announcement.

“The grant for this year is €180,000,” Deputy Byrne said. “This is an increase of over 150 per cent on last year’s grant, which was €70,000.

“The Irish Blue Cross undertakes tremendous work for animal welfare in our community. They look after the pets owned by people who perhaps cannot afford expensive treatments, surgeries and general pet care.

“They also run great mobile clinics on a weekly basis right across Dublin, including Ballyfermot, Crumlin, and Walkinstown.

“As well as caring for pets, they also perform a valuable educational role by heavily promoting responsible pet ownership. 

“Pet owners are made aware of the benefits of having pets neutered, vaccinated and microchipped which was made mandatory for all dogs from early 2016 onwards.”

Deputy Byrne added: “This year’s grant should go a long way in helping this great charity in its work. The staff at the Irish Blue Cross are so dedicated to their work and offer a really high quality service for pet owners in need of assistance.”