Irish Guide Dogs Newbridge Branch

04/09/2026

🚫 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. ♿️

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our Drive 4 UR Community events this autumn. 💙

In the photo: John Manning, Market Lead at Ford Ireland (left), presenting Tim O’Mahony, Chief Executive Officer of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, and his team with a cheque for €26,310.

Together with six participating Ford dealerships, we raised these funds through our nationwide test drive campaign, donating €30 for every Drive 4 UR Community test drive taken across five weekends in September and October.

We’re proud to support the incredible work of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

To donate or learn more, visit: https://www.guidedogs.ie/ways-to-help/donate

04/09/2026

We are delighted to share a positive update regarding pavement parking! 🚘

As the leading campaigner on this issue for many years, we have consistently called for action to end the dangerous and discriminatory practice of vehicles blocking pavements. The new legislation will prohibit parking fully on pavements, blocking dropped kerbs and double parking, which pose serious risks to people with sight loss and other disabled pedestrians.

Hannah Lyons, Policy and Campaigns Manager, said:
“This is a long overdue and vital step toward making our streets safer and more accessible for people with sight loss. Guide Dogs has led the campaign to end dangerous pavement parking in Northern Ireland, and we are proud that our persistent activism over many years has helped bring this much-needed change.

“We now urge the Department for Infrastructure to ensure this legislation is robust, properly enforced and backed by strong public awareness campaigns. We stand ready to work with Minister Kimmins and her officials to make sure these changes deliver tangible improvements on the ground.”

Guide dog owner Diane Marks from Belfast, said:
"Working with my guide dog Biscuit, means I can live independently and well, but inconsiderate parking has often created a barrier to this freedom. We have had a few scares in the past, with cars blocking the pavement and forcing us into the road. Everyone deserves the right to walk safely and confidently in their communities, and this legislation will bring us one step closer to that goal."

Guide Dogs Northern Ireland remains committed to working alongside government, local councils, and other disability organisations to ensure the successful implementation of this new legislation.

[Ambassador dog Luna (golden retriever) wearing a Guide Dogs branded harness is sitting next to a white car parked up on the pavement. There is no room to walk on the pavement between the car and the adjacent brick wall. Next to Luna is a sign that reads “Pavement parking puts pedestrians in danger!]

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.