Leinster House Lit Up Green to Mark Irish Guide Dogs’ 50th Anniversary

PRESS RELEASE

Leinster House was illuminated in green this week, to mark the 50th anniversary of Irish Guide Dogs, which will celebrate its milestone year throughout 2026.

The lighting of Leinster House recognises five decades of life-changing work by the national charity, which has grown from humble beginnings in a small farmhouse in Cork in 1976 to become Ireland’s leading provider of guide dogs, assistance dogs and community dogs.

Over the past 50 years, Irish Guide Dogs has successfully matched more than 2,000 guide, assistance and community dogs with people and families across Ireland, delivering independence, confidence and improved quality of life to individuals with visual impairments and children with autism.

Photo (l-r) Assistance Dog owner Brian Sourke with Assistance Dog Jackie, Minister Chambers, IGD CEO Tim O'Mahony, and Guide Dog owner and IGD board member Nicky Kealy with Guide Dog Chayse. Photos by Gareth Chaney

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, said the anniversary was a moment to reflect on the charity’s extraordinary impact.

“I congratulate Irish Guide Dogs for the enormous contribution they have made to Irish society over the past five decades. The life-changing role this organisation has played has empowered people and families from towns and villages all over Ireland. Service dogs improve quality of life, build confidence and ensure more children and adults can lead more independent, fulfilling lives. The 50th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity for Government and for everyone in society to recognise both the invaluable service Irish Guide Dogs provide, as well as the dedication and commitment of all their volunteers, staff and supporters. Lighting up Leinster House in the iconic colours of this hugely popular and respected charity is a fitting way to mark this anniversary.”

CEO of Irish Guide Dogs, Tim O’Mahony, said the occasion was both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing demand for the charity’s services.

“From our modest beginnings in Cork, where, through the determination of our co-founders Jim Dennehy and Mary Dunlop, we delivered the first guide dogs in Ireland, Irish Guide Dogs has grown into a national organisation providing world-class services. A significant milestone in our journey came in 2005 with the launch of Europe’s first dedicated Assistance Dog Programme for children with autism. Since then, we have set the benchmark for excellence in training standards, dog welfare and ongoing family support. As a result of our proven impact and reputation, we are proud to be Ireland’s largest and most successful Assistance Dog Programme for children with autism; applications for our Assistance Dog programme will reopen this Spring when we expect demand to be higher than ever.”

Mr O’Mahony added that the charity’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2026 will honour the dedication of volunteers, staff, donors and supporters who have made its work possible, while also looking ahead to expanding services to meet growing need nationwide.

Irish Guide Dogs will mark its golden anniversary throughout 2026 with a series of events and initiatives celebrating the people, dogs and communities at the heart of its mission.