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Kennel Improvement Programme
Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) has today (21st April 2026) 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.
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.