Irish Guide Dogs Newbridge Branch

28/03/2026

Our Condolences to the Keane family at this sad time

23/02/2026

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has said he would be in favour of increased fines for dog owners who do not keep their dogs under control in public spaces.

19/02/2026

🚫 THIS IS NOT PARKING. THIS IS DANGEROUS. 🚫
Today a wheelchair user had to ring Naas Gardaí because this vehicle was blocking the footpath, forcing them onto the ROAD just to get past.
When Gardaí arrived, they witnessed not one, but TWO separate wheelchair users having to leave the footpath and risk their lives on the road because of this selfish parking.
The driver was located and claimed “there was no parking so I parked there.”
To make it worse, a Blue Badge belonging to a family member was displayed — so they should have known better.
Let’s be crystal clear: ❌ Footpaths are NOT overflow parking
❌ Convenience is NOT an excuse
❌ Disabled access is NOT optional
Blocking a footpath strips people of their independence and puts them in real danger.
A Fixed Charge Penalty Notice (FCPN) will be issued for parking on a footpath.
If you can’t park legally — don’t park at all.
Do better. Think beyond yourself. ♿️🚫 THIS IS NOT PARKING. THIS IS DANGEROUS. 🚫
Today a wheelchair user had to ring Naas Gardaí because this vehicle was blocking the footpath, forcing them onto the ROAD just to get past.
When Gardaí arrived, they witnessed not one, but TWO separate wheelchair users having to leave the footpath and risk their lives on the road because of this selfish parking.
The driver was located and claimed “there was no parking so I parked there.”
To make it worse, a Blue Badge belonging to a family member was displayed — so they should have known better.
Let’s be crystal clear: ❌ Footpaths are NOT overflow parking
❌ Convenience is NOT an excuse
❌ Disabled access is NOT optional
Blocking a footpath strips people of their independence and puts them in real danger.
A Fixed Charge Penalty Notice (FCPN) will be issued for parking on a footpath.
If you can’t park legally — don’t park at all.
Do better. Think beyond yourself. ♿️

15/02/2026

We met beautiful aspiring Roses at the Whirewater SC in Newbridge today

30/01/2026

29/01/2026

29/01/2026

Statement from Irish Guide Dogs in relation to the Workplace Relations Commission decision against Hertz Rent A Car

We very much welcome the ruling of the Workplace Relations Commission, and in particular, are delighted for our client Kim Murphy whose right to equality has been vindicated.

This is an example of the experiences of many of our Guide Dog and Assistance Dog clients who regularly encounter a negative experience or lesser offering when trying to access and participate in services and amenities despite being legally entitled to do so under both Irish equality legislation, the Equal Status Acts, 2000-2018, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Those affected say such incidents have a significant impact on their confidence, independence, well-being, and most of all, their right to participate as equal citizens in Irish society.

We urge business operators and public service providers to ensure those who rely on a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog can have the same experience and service we all take for granted.

Irish equality legislation gives Guide Dog and Assistance Dog owners the right to access and experience businesses and services without discrimination. This includes access to:

- all forms of public transport, including bus, train, tram, taxi, plane or ferry

- all forms of hospitality accommodation, including hotels, Airbnbs, hostels or holiday rental properties

- all establishments that provide food, including cafes, restaurants, pubs, delis and supermarkets.

Businesses can show their support for access rights by displaying our Show Your Paw access window stickers, which are available free of charge by emailing [email protected].

24/01/2026

PROTECT OUR LIVESTOCK – KEEP YOUR DOG UNDER CONTROL
During lambing season, An Garda Síochána Kildare Carlow reminds dog owners that dogs must be kept under control near farmland and on the Curragh.
Sheep worrying causes serious stress, injury, miscarriages, and death. A dog does not need to touch livestock to cause harm.
Dog owners may face criminal prosecution and financial liability.
Keep dogs on a lead, secure your property, and never allow dogs to roam.
Report out-of-control dogs to your local Garda station or dog warden.
An Garda Síochána
Kildare Carlow

12/01/2026

Our beautiful Pippa at Google HQ 2016