asked the Minister for the Environment the number of dog shelters in the country on 31 December 1983.
Written Answers. - Dog Shelters.
299.
Under a scheme of grants which was introduced by my Department in 1978, planning authorities are recouped 50 per cent of expenditure incurred by them on approved projects for dealing with the stray dogs problem. Up to 31 December 1983, shelters for stray or unwanted dogs have been provided under the scheme by the county councils in Wicklow, Louth and Tipperary South Riding and also by Waterford Corporation and Longford Urban District Council.
The scheme also provides for the same rate of grant to planning authorities where they assist persons or bodies engaged in the provision and operation of dog shelters. In 1983, my Department paid almost £40,000 to 21 authorities who exercised their discretionary powers in this way. However, information on the total number of shelters provided by voluntary bodies is not available.