Deputy Steven Matthews, Green TD for Wicklow, has welcomed the launch of the Animal Welfare Grant Programme for Registered Animal Charities for 2022. Animal welfare organisations in Wicklow that are registered with the Charities Regulator are invited to apply for funding before the deadline of July 1st, 2022. Speaking following the announcement, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted that applications are now open for the Animal Welfare Grant Programme for Registered Animal Charities for 2022. This funding will enable animal welfare charities in Wicklow to continue their crucial work preventing animal cruelty and protecting vulnerable animals. Last December, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced €3.8 million in funding to 98 animal welfare charities in Ireland, including Wicklow SPCA, the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, Arklow Cat Rescue and Ash Animal Rescue. This was the largest-ever funding allocation to animal welfare charities in the history of the State and demonstrated the commitment of the Government to ensuring better standards of care for animals.
“Both as a County Councillor and now as a TD for Wicklow, I have been fortunate enough to see the incredible work that many hard-working and dedicated volunteers do on the ground and I would encourage every eligible animal welfare organisation to apply for this grant programme, which will close for applications on July 1st, 2022.
“Animal welfare is a priority for the Green Party, and we have always led on this issue. Since we entered Government in June 2022, we have:
· Doubled annual levels of funding for animal welfare organisations.
· Legislated a ban on fur farming.
· Published Ireland’s first Animal Welfare Strategy.
· Established an Animal Welfare Division in the Department of Agriculture.
· Re-launched the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC).
· Founded a new Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare.
· Commissioned Ireland’s first annual equine census.
“The Green Party will continue to implement the animal welfare commitments in the Programme for Government. I look forward to working with my colleague Pippa Hackett, Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, on this issue and engaging with animal welfare organisations in Wicklow to ensure that they have the necessary supports to keep up their vital work in the long-term”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
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